A moderate magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan on Sunday evening, December 8, generating significant shaking across much of the island nation but causing no immediate reports of major damage. According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA) in Taipei, the seismic event occurred at 7:24 p.m. local time, centered just south of the Hualien County administrative offices, prompting widespread alerts and concern among residents.
Focus of the Tremor
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 15.9 kilometers south of the Hualien County Government area. Crucially, the quake was classified as relatively shallow, registering at a depth of 24.5 kilometers. Shallower earthquakes often result in more intense shaking felt closer to the source compared to deeper events of similar magnitude.
Seismic intensity measurements, which gauge the level of shaking felt on the ground and potential damage, followed the CWA’s system. The highest recorded intensity was Level 4.
Areas experiencing Level 4 shaking included:
- Yanchao (Hualien County)
- Hualien City (Hualien County)
- Aowanda (Nantou County)
This level of shaking is typically described by the CWA as strong, often sufficient to rattle windows, make hanging objects swing significantly, and necessitate people seeking cover.
Widespread Reach Across the Island
While the strongest tremors were concentrated in Taiwan’s eastern and central regions, the effects of the 5.7 magnitude quake were felt broadly across the nation, highlighting Taiwan’s vulnerability on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
Several major population centers reported lower but noticeable intensities:
- Level 3: Cities and counties including Taichung, Taitung, Yilan, Changhua, and Yunlin experienced moderate shaking, where indoor stationery objects may shift slightly.
- Level 2: Lighter tremors were detected in locations stretching from the central-west coast through the north, covering areas such as Taoyuan City, New Taipei City, and Hsinchu. These tremors are generally felt indoors by many but are often dismissed by those outside.
- Level 1: Even the southernmost tip and outer islands recorded minor, barely perceivable vibrations, including in Taipei City, Kaohsiung City, and Penghu County.
Preparing for Seismic Activity
Taiwan is situated at the complex junction of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea tectonic plates, making regular seismic activity a fact of life. The shallow nature of this particular event near a major coastal area like Hualien, which has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, serves as a recurring reminder of the importance of robust disaster preparedness.
Residents across Taiwan are routinely encouraged to:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately when shaking begins.
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances to minimize risks during intense tremors.
- Maintain accessible emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, and essential medications.
While this latest seismic event passed without major incident, official agencies continue to monitor for potential aftershocks, urging the public to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories. This preparedness is key to mitigating risks associated with Taiwan’s dynamic geological environment.