M6.5 earthquake hits Yilan County, Taiwan
A powerful earthquake registered by the CWB (Taiwan) as M6.5 hit Yilan County, Taiwan at 05:11 UTC (13:11 LT) on October 24, 2021, at a depth of 66.8 km (41 miles). USGS is reporting it as M6.2 at a depth of 64.5 km (40 miles); EMSC M6.0 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).
The epicenter was located 22 km (13.7 miles) SSE of Yilan (population 94 188), 61 km (38 miles) SSE of Taipei (population 7 871 900), and 62 km (39 miles) S of Keelung (population 397 515), Taiwan.
There are 11 million people living within 100 km (62 miles).
450 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking and 9 9878 moderate.
The intensity registered as a 4 in Yilan County, Hualien County, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taipei City, Taichung City, Nantou County, Hsinchu County, Keelung City, Miaoli County, and Hsinchu City. An intensity level of 3 was recorded in Changhua County, Yunlin County, Taitung County, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City.
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.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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