Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Taiwan

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit near the coast of Taiwan at 09:46 UTC on January 3, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 28.7 km (17.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 30 km (18 miles).

The epicenter was located about 64 km (40 miles) E of Hualien City (population 350 468) and 98 km (61 miles) SSE of Yilan (population 94 188), Taiwan.

There are 660 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

14 429 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google