The quake hit at 12:17 am local time, 38 kilometres southeast of Chiayi County Hall, at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. The US Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 6.
In Tainan, six individuals, including a one-month-old baby, were rescued from a collapsed house. Rescue teams also freed three individuals trapped in elevators.
The Zhuwei Bridge on a provincial highway sustained visible damage, though no fatalities have been reported.
Authorities continue to assess the situation as residents clean up and repair minor to moderate damage.
