TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan at 7:35 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 16), triggering national alerts across 12 counties and cities.
According to the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署), the quake's epicenter was 34.2 kilometers southeast of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 9.7 kilometers.
The previous day, at 5:06 p.m., a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Yilan, with tremors felt across various parts of Taiwan. The back-to-back occurrence of big earthquakes has added to the growing anxiety among residents.
According to the CWA, Taiwan has experienced over 50 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher this year. From January until the previous day, Taiwan recorded 8 earthquakes ranging from magnitude 6 to 6.9 and 41 ranging from magnitude 5 to 5.9.
CWA Seismology Center specialist Hsiao Nai-chi (蕭乃祺) described this year's seismic activity as "abnormal," noting that Taiwan typically averages about 30 earthquakes of magnitude 5 to 5.9 and 2 to 3 of magnitude 6 to 6.9 annually. He attributed the increased activity to the aftermath of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Hualien on April 3.
However, Hsiao clarified that the recent earthquake near Yilan had no connection to the April 3 Hualien quake.
As Taiwan continues to experience frequent seismic activity, residents remain on high alert. Authorities urge everyone to follow safety guidelines.