Magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes southern Taiwan

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the mountainous region of Taiwan near the city of Jiayi. According to the local meteorological service, the epicentre was located in the Dapu area at a depth of 9.4 kilometres. The tremors were recorded shortly after midnight local time.

Impact on residents
As a result of the earthquake, several buildings in the region, including in the city of Tainan, were damaged. Several people were trapped under the rubble, although the local fire service reported that some of the victims had already been rescued. In Taiwan's capital, Taipei, the tremors were felt so strongly that buildings swayed noticeably.

Reports of damage
Local authorities reported damage in several villages, where power outages were also recorded. However, the Dapu fire service noted that no signs of serious destruction or catastrophic consequences had been detected so far.

Evacuation in industrial zones
Chipmaker TSMC, which has factories in the central and southern parts of the island, evacuated its employees. All workers are safe, company representatives said. 

Evacuations were also carried out in the Tainan Science Park, which hosts major enterprises, including TSMC factories.