Shallow M5.8 earthquake hits Hualien, Taiwan

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.8 hit eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County at 14:11 UTC (22:11 LT) on April 22, 2024, at a depth of 11.8 km (7.3 miles). This is the second strongest aftershock of the April 2 M7.4 earthquake after M6.4 on April 3.

The epicenter was located 10 km (6.2 miles) S of the April 2 M7.4, 28 km (17 miles) S of Hualien City (population 350 568), and 66 km (41 miles) ESE of Puli (population 86 406).

4 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 80 000 strong, 185 000 moderate, and 15 314 000 light.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

This region has experienced hundreds of aftershocks following M7.4 on April 2, with many of them between M4 and M6. The strongest aftershock was M6.4 on April 3, followed by today’s M5.8 at 14:11 UTC.

At least 17 people were killed and over 1 100 injured on April 2. It was the strongest quake to hit Taiwan since the 1999 Jiji earthquake.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google