Two Strong Earthquakes Strike Taiwan's Hualien County, Weeks After Deadly Quake

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, two powerful earthquakes struck Taiwan's eastern Hualien county, with the largest measuring 6.1 magnitude. The quakes occurred within half an hour of each other in the early morning hours, shaking buildings in the capital city of Taipei.

The first quake, with a depth of 24.9 km, hit just off the coast of Hualien. It was followed by a second 5.8 magnitude quake with a depth of 18.9 km that struck a similar location. The earthquakes caused two empty buildings to collapse, but no casualties have been reported so far. Rescue efforts are underway to search for any trapped residents.

Taiwan has been hit by over 1,000 aftershocks since a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the same region earlier this month, killing 17 people. The island nation is prone to seismic activity due to its location near the junction of two tectonic plates.

Why this matters: The recent spate of earthquakes in Taiwan highlights the ongoing risk posed by the country's geological position. The frequency and intensity of these quakes emphasize the importance of robust infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public awareness in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

The U.S. Geological Survey is monitoring the situation and may update the shake-severity map as more information becomes available. Seismologists are also reviewing the available data and may revise the reported magnitudes of the latest earthquakes.

Taiwan has a history of destructive earthquakes, including a 7.3 magnitude quake in 1999 that killed over 2,000 people and a 6.4 magnitude quake in 2016 that claimed more than 100 lives. "The recent earthquakes serve as a sobering reminder of the ever-present threat posed by seismic activity in Taiwan," said a local official. Authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.

Key Takeaways

• Two powerful earthquakes, 6.1 and 5.8 magnitude, struck Taiwan's Hualien county.
• The quakes caused two empty buildings to collapse, but no casualties reported.
• Taiwan has experienced over 1,000 aftershocks since a 7.2 magnitude quake earlier this month.
• Taiwan is prone to seismic activity due to its location near tectonic plate junctions.
• Authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.