Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake in Puli, Nantou; Taiwan Railways Reduces Speed on Some Sections

Taipei, 17th (CNA) - Following a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in Puli, Nantou this morning, Taiwan Railways (TRA) announced that trains on the sections between Miaoli and Fengyuan, and between Xiangshan and Tongxiao, will operate at a reduced speed of 60 km/h for route inspection. Normal speed will resume after confirming no abnormalities. According to the latest information from the Central Weather Administration, a Richter magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred at 8:46 AM today, with a depth of 15.5 kilometers. Its epicenter was located 33.5 kilometers east-northeast of the Nantou County Government (in Puli Township, Nantou County), with the highest intensity of 4 felt in Nantou County. The TRA issued a notice stating that due to an intensity of 3 being recorded in Sanyi and Houlong, procedures for a level 3 earthquake were implemented for the sections between Miaoli and Fengyuan, and Xiangshan and Tongxiao. According to TRA regulations for a level 3 intensity earthquake, the first train on the affected route must travel at a reduced speed of 60 km/h to the next station while the line is inspected. If no issues are found, the second and subsequent trains can resume normal speed.