22-9-2024 (TAIPEI) A seismic event of moderate intensity has once again brought attention to Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes. On 21 September, a 5.3-magnitude tremor struck the island’s eastern county of Hualien, according to reports from Taiwan’s weather administration.
The quake, which had its epicentre in the sparsely populated region of Hualien, was felt as far away as Taipei, the bustling capital city. Residents of the capital reported feeling buildings shake, a stark reminder of the island’s geological instability. Officials have stated that the earthquake originated at a depth of 17 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.
Despite the perceptible tremors, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Authorities remain vigilant, conducting thorough assessments of infrastructure and public safety in the affected areas.
This latest seismic activity serves as a poignant reminder of Taiwan’s precarious position at the junction of two tectonic plates, a geographical reality that renders the island particularly susceptible to earthquakes. The frequency of such events has made earthquake preparedness an integral part of Taiwanese life and governance.
The incident recalls the more severe earthquake that struck Hualien in April of this year, which was the most significant seismic event to affect Taiwan in at least a quarter of a century. That catastrophic quake resulted in nine fatalities and left over 900 individuals injured. In its wake, thousands of aftershocks have continued to unsettle the region, keeping residents and authorities on high alert.
Taiwan’s history is punctuated by devastating earthquakes. In 2016, a powerful tremor in the southern part of the island claimed more than 100 lives. Even more catastrophic was the 7.3-magnitude earthquake in 1999, which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities and left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory.
