On May 5, 2025, Taiwan experienced a series of earthquakes, the strongest registering a magnitude of 5.9. The seismic activity was concentrated in the eastern waters near Hualien County, with tremors felt across the island.
The first significant quake occurred at 6:09 PM, registering 5.5 on the Richter scale and a depth of 6.1 kilometers. Just over half an hour later, at 6:53 PM, a more powerful tremor struck, reaching a magnitude of 5.9 and a depth of 6.6 kilometers, centered approximately 33.7 kilometers southeast of the Hualien County Government.
The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) has classified the 5.9 quake as the main shock, with the earlier tremors considered foreshocks. CWB officials indicated that the region is prone to such seismic activity, attributing the earthquakes to the movement of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. According to CWB technician Chiu Jun-da, "The 5.9 magnitude earthquake is a very shallow earthquake, and it is expected that there may still be earthquakes of 5 to 5.5 magnitude in the next three days."
Following the main shock, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred at 7:15 PM, centered 12.3 kilometers northwest of Hualien County in Xiulin Township. This tremor had a maximum intensity of 4 and a depth of 19.1 kilometers, further contributing to the unease felt by residents.
Reports indicate that the tremors were felt throughout Taiwan, with varying intensities recorded in different regions. The maximum intensity of 4 was reported in Hualien County, while areas such as Yilan, Taichung, Nantou, Yunlin, and Changhua experienced intensity levels of 3. Other regions, including Taitung, Miaoli, Chiayi County, Hsinchu County, New Taipei, Chiayi City, Tainan, Keelung, and Kaohsiung recorded intensity levels of 2, and even Taipei and Taoyuan felt tremors with an intensity of 1.
The CWB issued a disaster prevention alert for Yilan and Hualien counties, warning residents to be cautious of potential aftershocks and to take appropriate safety measures. The public was advised to "crouch down, cover, and hold on" during tremors.
Interestingly, on the same day, residents in western Aomori Prefecture, Japan, reported hearing a "giant ground rumble" on May 3, 2025, but local meteorological observatories found no evidence of earthquakes or volcanic activity in the area. This has raised questions about the seismic activity in the broader region.
Despite the intensity of the earthquakes, the Hualien Fire Department reported no immediate disasters or significant damage in the aftermath of the tremors. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as the potential for aftershocks remains a concern.
The May 5 earthquake series highlights Taiwan's vulnerability to seismic activity, with approximately 70% of the country's earthquakes occurring in the Hualien region. This region is known for its geological instability due to the complex interactions of tectonic plates.
As Taiwan braces for possible aftershocks, the CWB remains vigilant, reminding the public of the importance of earthquake preparedness. The agency's continuous monitoring and rapid reporting of seismic events play a crucial role in ensuring public safety in a region where earthquakes are a common occurrence.
In summary, the earthquakes on May 5 serve as a stark reminder of the geological forces at play beneath Taiwan. With the CWB predicting further seismic activity in the coming days, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared.
