An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck eastern Taiwan on Friday, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA) and Taiwan News. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage related to the earthquake.
The earthquake was felt across several regions. Hualien County, Taitung County, Yilan County, Nantou County, Taichung, Chiayi County, Changhua County, and Yunlin County all recorded a seismic intensity level of 4 on the scale. Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taoyuan, New Taipei City, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu City, and Tainan reported an intensity level of 3. Penghu, Taipei, Keelung, and Pingtung counties experienced a lower intensity level of 2.
In the wake of these seismic events, weather officials have issued warnings about the heightened risk of landslides in the region’s mountainous areas. This cautionary note comes as Taiwan has experienced several days of heavy rainfall, which could further exacerbate the landslide threat.
Taiwan’s geographic location, near the convergence of two major tectonic plates, makes it particularly susceptible to frequent and often powerful earthquakes. The island nation’s tectonic activity is a constant reminder of its vulnerability to natural disasters.
The CWA identified the epicenter of the quake as being located 34.2 kilometers southeast of Hualien County Hall, with a focal depth of 9.7 kilometers. The earthquake’s tremors were felt across a broad area, causing brief disruptions but, thankfully, no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert for potential aftershocks and follow safety guidelines provided by local officials.
Earlier this year, in April, Hualien faced a devastating earthquake, the most severe to hit Taiwan in over 25 years. That quake resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives and left more than 900 individuals injured. The recent series of quakes has reignited concerns about the region’s earthquake preparedness and the resilience of its infrastructure.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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