5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Taiwan’s Coast

Earthquake Strikes Off the Coast of Taiwan

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the waters off the eastern coast of Taiwan on Thursday, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred at precisely 5:06 p.m. local time, with a depth measured at seven miles. The epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Yilan County, which is situated on the island’s northeastern coastline.

The Central Weather Administration of Taiwan recorded the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.7, indicating a slightly higher intensity than the USGS report. Fortunately, Taiwan’s fire department quickly confirmed that there were no immediate reports of significant damage resulting from the tremors. However, they issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, where such geological events can pose a risk.

The tremor was felt strongly in Taipei, the capital city, reminding residents of the island’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Interestingly, this recent quake struck near the epicenter of a much more powerful earthquake that occurred in April, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, which tragically resulted in the loss of 17 lives.

In response to the frequency and severity of earthquakes, Taiwan has significantly enhanced its earthquake preparedness over the past few decades, implementing stricter building codes and public safety measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. This proactive approach underscores the resilience of the Taiwanese people in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Amy Chang Chien contributed reporting from Taipei.