6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Taiwan Following Series Of Tremors: Meteorological Agency

Taiwan Earthquake: Taiwan experienced a magnitude-6.0 earthquake in the early hours of Tuesday, as reported by the island’s Central Weather Administration, news agency AFP reported. The seismic event occurred at 2:26 am local time (1826 GMT), adding to a series of earthquakes that had been unsettling the region since Monday afternoon. AFP cited its correspondent as noting feeling the sway of buildings.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.0 – 13 km SSW of Hualien City, Taiwan https://t.co/9uONYOaBuo

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) April 22, 2024

The tremor was felt notably in the capital, Taipei, shaking buildings across the city. The earthquake had a depth of 5.5 km (3.4 miles), according to the weather administration, news agency Reuters reported. No fresh damage has been reported so far.

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Taiwan Grappling Frequent Earthquakes And Aftershocks

Taiwan has been grappling with a string of seismic activities, particularly in its eastern region. On Monday, more than a dozen earthquakes, the strongest measuring at 5.7 magnitude, rocked the island’s east coast. 

Seventeen people were injured as Taiwan’s capital was jolted by a robust earthquake on Monday evening, as reported by AFP. The Central Weather Administration reported the earthquake as measuring 5.5 magnitude, originating in eastern Hualien. This region was previously the epicentre of a magnitude-7.4 quake that struck on April 3, leading to landslides in the mountainous area. It resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives. Since then, the region has experienced numerous aftershocks.

The US Geological Survey indicated that Monday’s earthquake, felt in Taipei, occurred at 5:08 pm local time, with a depth of 8.9 kilometres.

Being situated near the convergence of two tectonic plates, Taiwan is inherently vulnerable to seismic activities. The island has a history of devastating earthquakes, with notable incidents including a quake in 2016 that claimed over 100 lives in southern Taiwan, and a 7.3 magnitude quake in 1999 which resulted in the loss of more than 2,000 lives.