A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Tuesday, injuring at least 27 people and triggering evacuations at key facilities including the chipmaker TSMC. The quake, which occurred at 12:17 a.m. local time, had its epicenter in a mountainous area near Chiayi county, approximately 24 miles southeast of Chiayi County Hall, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.

Reports indicate that the earthquake was measured at a depth of 9.4km (6 miles), causing buildings to shake as far away as Taipei. TSMC confirmed the evacuation of staff at its facilities in southern Taiwan, posting that all personnel were safe, and normal operations resumed later in the day.

Emergency responders noted that many of the injured individuals were treated for minor injuries, including a 1-month-old baby rescued from a collapsed house in Nanxi District of Tainan city. Firefighters also responded to a blaze at a printing factory in Chiayi, which was swiftly extinguished without any injuries reported. It also caused structural damage, including to the Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway.

Before the quake, authorities were already aware of Taiwan's susceptibility to seismic activities, lying on the PACIFIC “Ring of Fire,” known for frequent earthquakes. Recent history reflects a series of seismic events, including a lethal 7.4 magnitude quake in April 2024 that resulted in widespread devastation.

As anxiety grew among residents, aftershocks have been a concern, and officials urge people in affected regions to remain vigilant. Local governments, including the mayor of Tainan, announced the suspension of work and classes in specific districts to facilitate post-disaster recovery.

According to a statement from Taiwanese Premier Cho Jong-tai, the government promises to provide aid to affected residents, ensuring efforts to restore normalcy swiftly. The geological assessment following the tremor revealed that potential aftershocks of magnitude 5 or higher could occur in the coming days.

The resilience of Taiwan's emergency services is commendable as they continue to respond to ongoing reports of damage while keeping the public informed. As reported by CNN, no fatalities were reported, but thorough damage assessments are ongoing.

Residents expressed their fears during the tremor, indicating a widespread feeling of shock and disarray. The Los Angeles Times has noted that despite the chaos, Taiwanese authorities and communities are working together to navigate the aftermath of this seismic event.