Image Credit: Taiwan News
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off the coast of southeast Taiwan at 7:21 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The tremor’s epicenter was located 104.3 kilometers south of Taitung County Hall, occurring at a focal depth of 51.1 kilometers. The quake was felt most strongly in Taitung County and Pingtung County, reaching an intensity level of 3 in areas including Manzhou, Nanwan, and the popular tourist resort of Kenting.
The earthquake, which was detected by Taiwan’s comprehensive seismic monitoring system, shook the southeastern region, prompting immediate assessments from local authorities and residents. Taiwan’s intensity scale, ranging from 1 to 7, measures the degree of shaking experienced at specific locations, with a level 3 indicating noticeable shaking but typically minimal structural damage.
The Central Weather Administration swiftly issued updates to inform the public and authorities about the quake’s parameters. Emergency response teams were mobilized to conduct preliminary inspections and ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure. Despite the moderate intensity of the earthquake, no damage or injuries were immediately reported, according to initial assessments.
Taiwan, situated on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes. The region’s preparedness and strict building codes are designed to mitigate the impact of such natural events.