Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits near Hualien City, Taiwan

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit near Hualien City, Taiwan at 01:05 UTC on June 20, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 8 km (5 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.8 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles).

The epicenter was located about 38 km (24 miles) SSW of Hualien City (population 250 468), and 63 km (39 miles) SE of Puli (population 86 406), Taiwan.

The quake was followed by M5.2 at 01:39 UTC (depth 10 km / 6.2 miles) and M4.2 at 04:15 UTC at a depth of 2.3 km (1.4 miles).

18 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 45 000 strong, and 218 000 moderate.

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.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google