TAIPEI, Taiwan — In the early hours of Tuesday, a significant earthquake measuring an initial magnitude of 6.0 struck southern Taiwan, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. This seismic event resulted in 15 individuals sustaining minor injuries.

The earthquake occurred at 12:17 a.m. local time (1600 GMT on Monday), with its epicenter identified as being located 12 kilometers (approximately 7 miles) north of Yujing, at a depth of 10 kilometers (around 6 miles), according to the USGS. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration recorded the earthquake at a slightly higher magnitude of 6.4.

Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of fatalities as rescue teams continue to evaluate the extent of the damage. Taiwan’s fire department noted that 15 individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment of minor injuries. Among those affected were six people, including a child, who had to be rescued from a collapsed structure in the Nanxi District of Tainan City. Additionally, damage to the Zhuwei bridge on a provincial highway has been reported.

This incident follows a severe earthquake in April of last year, which registered a magnitude of 7.4 and struck the eastern coast near Hualien. That quake resulted in at least 13 deaths and injured over 1,000 individuals, marking it as one of the most powerful tremors in 25 years, followed by numerous aftershocks.

Taiwan is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region notorious for its seismic activity, being home to the majority of the world’s earthquakes. As a result, the island experiences earthquakes frequently, requiring ongoing preparedness measures for its residents.