A series of earthquakes shook Shoufeng Township in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, on Monday, creating panic among residents.
According to reports from Central News Agency Focus Taiwan, five earthquakes struck within a remarkably short span of just nine minutes. The seismic activity was recorded between 5:08 pm and 5:17 pm local time, sending tremors through the region.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) provided preliminary information about the most significant quake, measuring at a magnitude of 6.5.
This earthquake occurred approximately 11 kilometers northeast of Hualien City. The USGS announcement came shortly after the series of tremors rattled Shoufeng Township, adding to the concerns of local residents already grappling with recent seismic events.
This recent seismic activity follows closely on the heels of a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan’s eastern shores just two weeks prior. That earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter Scale, caused significant damage and casualties.
Four people lost their lives, and over 700 others sustained injuries as buildings were damaged and landslides occurred.
The National Fire Agency provided updates on the aftermath of the earlier earthquake, noting that of the over 700 injured individuals, 132 are from Hualien County, which is close to the epicenter of the quake. The impact of these successive earthquakes underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to seismic events and the importance of preparedness measures for residents and authorities alike.
Local authorities and emergency response teams are currently assessing the situation in Shoufeng Township and surrounding areas. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, with a focus on providing assistance to those affected by the earthquakes.
Meanwhile, residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed any further instructions or warnings from authorities as aftershocks may continue to occur.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these seismic events, attention is also being directed towards long-term strategies for earthquake preparedness and mitigation.
The resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters remains a paramount concern, with efforts aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience and implementing effective disaster response measures to minimize the impact of future earthquakes in Taiwan’s eastern region.
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