On November 20, 2024, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake hit southern Taiwan, centered in Chiayi County. The quake reached an intensity of 4 in Chiayi and 3 in nearby Tainan and Yunlin. Earlier, two other earthquakes occurred near Hualien, with no damage reported after these seismic events.
On November 20, 2024, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck Chiayi County in southern Taiwan at 12:23 p.m., as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The quake’s epicenter was determined to be 13.9 kilometers south-southwest of Chiayi County Hall and occurred at a depth of 11.7 kilometers. According to CWA data, the intensity of the earthquake reached level 4 on Taiwan’s 7-tier scale in Chiayi, while neighboring areas such as Tainan City and Yunlin County recorded an intensity level of 3. Earlier on the same day, additional seismic activity was noted with two earthquakes measuring 3.7 and 4.0 occurring at sea near Hualien County, alongside another tremor of magnitude 3.1 impacting Tainan. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Taiwan, a region prone to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Central Weather Administration is responsible for monitoring seismic events and providing timely reports to the public. Understanding earthquake magnitudes and intensities is essential for assessing potential impacts on local communities and infrastructure. Taiwan employs a scale ranging from 1 to 7 to measure the intensity of earthquakes, reflecting the degree of shaking experienced in various locations.
The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that centered in Chiayi County highlights the ongoing seismic activities in Taiwan, particularly in its southern regions. While the earthquake recorded significant intensity in Chiayi, the absence of damage or injuries is a fortunate outcome. Continued monitoring by the Central Weather Administration is crucial for public safety and preparedness in light of these natural occurrences.
Original Source: focustaiwan.tw
