Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Taiwan
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the east coast of Taiwan at 23:35 UTC on August 15, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 14 km (22.5 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 30.8 km (19.1 miles) SSE of Hualien City (population 350 468), and 85.2 km (53 miles) ESE of Puli (population 86 406).
210 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 93 000 moderate and 22 398 000 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.
There were no immediate reports of damage,
According to the USGS, the quake follows M5.4 at 09:06 UTC and M4.6 at 09:33 UTC on August 15, located about 70 km (45 miles) N of the M6.1.
Taiwan weather officials have recorded more than 12 aftershocks and warned population there is a risk of landslides in mountainous areas following several days of rain.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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