Taiwan, renowned for its seismic activity, experienced a series of earthquakes late Monday and early Tuesday, with the most powerful registering at 6.1 magnitude according to the U.S. Geological Survey. While no casualties were reported, the tremors caused additional damage to structures already weakened by previous quakes, notably the devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake earlier in the month.
Taiwan Earthquakes
The epicenter of the 6.1 magnitude quake was located 28 kilometers south of Hualien city. Numerous aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.5 to 6.3 occurred in the vicinity, with variations in magnitude readings between monitoring centers being common.
Intensity and Impact
The most significant tremors struck at 2:26 a.m. and 2:32 a.m., with aftershocks felt as far as Taipei, approximately 150 kilometers northwest. The Full Hotel in downtown Hualien suffered partial collapse, while the Tong Shuai Building remained deserted following severe damage from the previous quake.
Response and Closure
In the aftermath, schools and offices in Hualien and neighboring areas remained closed on Tuesday as aftershocks persisted. Despite most registering below magnitude 3, the impact on daily life was palpable.
Preparedness and Resilience
Taiwan’s limited casualties amidst frequent seismic events underscore its robust earthquake preparedness, stringent construction standards, and comprehensive public education initiatives. The memory of the 1999 magnitude 7.7 earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of these measures.
While Taiwan continues to face the threat of earthquakes, its proactive measures and resilience demonstrate a capacity to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, safeguarding its population and infrastructure against future seismic events.