Jan 21 (V7N) -A magnitude 6 earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Tuesday, injuring 15 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 12:17 a.m. local time, with an epicenter 12 kilometers north of Yujing and a depth of 10 kilometers. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reported a slightly higher magnitude of 6.4.

While no fatalities have been reported, rescue teams continue to assess the damage. Taiwan's fire department confirmed 15 people sustained minor injuries, including six individuals rescued from a collapsed house in Tainan city’s Nanxi District. The Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway was also reported damaged.

Taiwan, located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is prone to earthquakes due to its position on major tectonic fault lines. Last April, the Hualien region experienced a devastating 7.4 magnitude quake, resulting in 13 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.

Authorities remain on high alert, with rescue efforts ongoing to ensure the safety of residents and assess structural damages. The incident underscores the island’s vulnerability to seismic events and the importance of robust emergency response systems.

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