Taiwan Struck by Deadliest Earthquake in 25 Years

• 04 Apr 2024

On 3rd April, nine fatalities and over 800 injuries were reported after Taiwan's strongest earthquake in a quarter-century hit, registering 7.4 magnitude.

Key Points

• Epicentre: The epicentre was located 18 km south-southwest of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan.
• Multiple aftershocks were experienced, including one of magnitude 6.5.
• Taiwan's Location on Ring of Fire:Taiwan is prone to earthquakes as it lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where 90% of the world's earthquakes occur.
• The island and surrounding waters have registered about 2,000 quakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater since 1980, and over 100 quakes above magnitude 5.5.
• Reasons for Earthquake: The Ring of Fire sees many earthquakes due to the constant sliding, colliding, or moving of tectonic plates against each other.
• Earthquakes occur when the rough edges of plates get stuck and then unstick suddenly on faults.
• In Taiwan, the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate interact, causing quakes.