Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Offshore Quake Shakes Northeast Taiwan, USGS Puts Magnitude at 6.6

Officials warn of likely aftershocks after inspections found limited damage.

Overview

  • The quake struck at 11:05 p.m. local time Saturday about 32 km east of Yilan at roughly 73 km depth, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.
  • Taiwanese authorities measured magnitude 7.0, while the U.S. Geological Survey revised its estimate to 6.6, reflecting differing measurement methods.
  • Initial assessments reported no immediate fatalities or major structural damage, though more than 3,000 households briefly lost electricity.
  • Rail and metro services paused or slowed for safety checks, with high-speed and conventional lines returning to normal after inspections reported no significant infrastructure damage.
  • Authorities cautioned that aftershocks, potentially in the magnitude 5.5–6.0 range, could occur over the coming days to a week, following another notable quake on December 24.