TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) announced on Friday (Aug. 16) that the morning's earthquake was an independent event, unrelated to the April 3 earthquake in Hualien or the magnitude 5.7 quake in Yilan the previous day. The CWA advised the public to remain vigilant for aftershocks of magnitude 5.5 or higher over the next three days.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Hualien at 7:35 a.m. on Friday, the CWA reported. The quake, centered 34.2 kilometers southeast of Hualien County Hall, occurred at a depth of 9.7 kilometers and registered a maximum intensity of 4.
Xu Li-wen (許麗文), deputy director of the CWA's Seismological Center, stated at a press conference that preliminary data indicates the quake resulted from the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. Xu noted that although the epicenter is close to the April 3 earthquake zone, the energy from those aftershocks has already dissipated, confirming this event's independence.
Xu added that Eastern Taiwan frequently experiences seismic activity, with 15 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher recorded in the past and 16 this year alone.
Residents and authorities remain on alert for potential aftershocks as Taiwan continues to monitor seismic activity in the region. The CWA's ongoing assessments will provide further updates on the situation.