When Taiwan Shakes: A New 5.9‑Magnitude Quake Hits the Island
Early Thursday‑morning, a 5.9‑magnitude earthquake rattled northeast Yilan County in Taiwan, shaking high‑rise buildings in Taipei and jolting people awake from a solid sleep. The U.S. Geological Survey pegged the quake at 5.9, but Taiwan’s own weather bureau measured it slightly higher at 6.0.
What Went Down
- Time: 5:28 am local time
- Depth: 10 km below ground
- Location: Northeastern Yilan County
- Effect: Buildings swayed like a school dance; power outages hit over 1,300 homes in the greater Taipei area.
- Rail impact: Taiwan Railways Administration paused some services in Yilan.
Why This Happens
Taiwan sits at the crossroads of two tectonic plates, so it’s no surprise that the island feels the ground’s tremors from time to time. Paleontologists of seismic distress find their routines surprisingly thrilling.
Past Quakes That Keep Us on Edge
- 4 months ago, a 6.1‑magnitude quake in April shook the traffic and left 17 people hurt.
- In February last year, a 6.4‑magnitude shock hit near Hualien at midnight, claiming 17 lives in a partially collapsed building.
- Back in 1999, a massive 7.6‑magnitude quake wiped out about 2,400 people, prompting stricter building codes that still leave many older structures vulnerable.
On the Home Front
It’s a good reminder that even “moderate” tremors can feel like a giant gym class when old buildings wobble. Residents are staying alert, sturdy, and maybe a little extra cautious—just in case the ground decides to throw another party.
