Late Tuesday night, Taiwan experienced a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that led to at least 27 injuries and widespread damage in the regions of Chiayi and Tainan. The seismic event occurred at 12:17 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 37.9 km southeast of Chiayi County Hall and at a depth of 9.7 km (6.03 miles) according to the South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

Initial reports indicate that the earthquake caused damage to numerous homes, particularly in the Dapu township, where several structures partially collapsed. The Taiwanese fire department confirmed that 27 people received hospital treatment for minor injuries. Notably, six individuals, including a one-month-old baby, were rescued from a damaged structure in Tainan's Nanxi district, with efforts ongoing to evaluate the extent of the damage.

In addition to the personal injuries, various infrastructural complications arose as well. Damage was reported to the Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway and scattered reports of minor to moderate property damage were noted across the affected areas. Furthermore, a fire broke out at a printing factory in Chiayi, which was quickly extinguished without any reports of injuries.

Emergency responders worked throughout the day to assess the situation and manage rescue operations. Notably, two individuals in Tainan and one in Chiayi city were rescued unharmed after being trapped in elevators during the quake. Additionally, disruptions to local services were significant, with reports of power outages and damage to water lines.

As the situation unfolds, the Taiwanese government has assured that they are working to provide necessary support to affected residents. The Central Weather Administration of Taiwan warned that more than 50 aftershocks have already been recorded, with a potential for further aftershocks of magnitude 5 or higher over the coming days. Taiwanese Premier Cho Jong-tai expressed deep concerns for those impacted, pledging to expedite recovery efforts.

Historically, Taiwan is situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where seismic activity is prevalent, making quakes a common occurrence. The most notable disasters have included the 1999 Jiji earthquake that resulted in over 2,400 fatalities and last year’s 7.4 magnitude quake, which caused extensive damage and injuries to over 1,000 people. Experts warn that seismic movements in the region are often intense, particularly at night, due to the relative stillness exacerbating the sensation of shaking.

For continuous updates on the situation, check back at Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.