Taiwan's Hualien County Experiences Two Earthquakes, No Immediate Reports of Damage

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ICARO Media Group
News
26/04/2024 21h33

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Taiwan's eastern county of Hualien was struck by two earthquakes, the largest measuring a magnitude of 6.1. According to the island's weather administration, there have been no immediate reports of damage.

The first earthquake, with a depth of 24.9 km (15.5 miles), occurred just off the coast of Hualien. The second earthquake, measuring 5.8 in magnitude, had a depth of 18.9 km (11.7 miles) and hit a similar location. The tremors were felt in the capital, Taipei, shaking buildings and causing alarm among residents.

This recent seismic activity comes shortly after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien earlier this month, claiming the lives of 17 people. Since then, the region has experienced more than 1,000 aftershocks, further adding to the anxiety and unease among the residents.

Taiwan, located near the junction of two tectonic plates, is susceptible to frequent earthquakes. In 2016, a powerful quake in southern Taiwan claimed the lives of more than 100 people, while a catastrophic 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1999 resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives.

Despite the recent tremors, authorities have reassured the public that there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The Hualien government has stated that the building affected by the earthquakes on Saturday was unoccupied, as it had been previously damaged during an earlier quake that struck on April 3.

Efforts to monitor and analyze seismic activity in Taiwan continue as scientists work towards implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the population in earthquake-prone areas.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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