A mild earthquake shook the Taiwanese Republic on Thursday, disturbing the life of people on the island. Although there are no reports of any kind of injury or destruction caused by the phenomenon, the event reminded the population of the ever-present threat of the movement of the Earth’s crust.
What Happened in Taiwan
The quake had a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale and struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The epicentre of the earthquake was recorded to be at a distance of 18 kilometres from Hualien City, at a depth of 31.6 kilometres. The quake had strong enough intensity to create some moments of alarm among the residents of Taipei, where some buildings swayed.
No Immediate Damage Found; Caution Advised
Authorities confirmed that there were no reports of any injury and damage to any structures as a result of the earthquake. The emergency services were, however, placed on high alert, as it is common for aftershocks to happen in seismically active regions. The disaster preparedness systems of Taiwan were activated.
Why Taiwan Is Vulnerable to Earthquakes
Geologically, Taiwan is located close to the boundary where two big tectonic plates meet, making it one of the most seismic areas within East Asia. Being close to this tectonic boundary often makes it prone to seismic movements, which may range from small to massive earthquakes.
The island has a rich history that has had some fatal earthquakes, influencing its current preparations. In 2016, a quake occurred in Southern Taiwan, resulting in over 100 deaths, while a disastrous 7.3 earthquake occurred in 1999, claiming over 2,000 lives.
Regional Seismic Activity Promotes Awareness
The Taiwan earthquake happened just days following major earthquakes that hit the Japan island of Hokkaido in the north of the nation. The major earthquake caused tsunami alerts, but the waves reported were very small. This series of events draws focus to the increased earthquake activities being witnessed in this area.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary official reports. Details may change as authorities continue assessments and release updated information.
