On Thursday afternoon, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook southwestern Taiwan. It struck at exactly 4:37 p.m., surprising many residents. According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, the epicenter lay southeast of Chiayi County Hall. It was located 36.3 kilometers from the government building.
Moreover, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of only 10.4 kilometers. This depth increased the ground shaking in nearby areas.As a result, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung recorded level 4 on Taiwan’s seismic intensity scale. This level indicates strong shaking.
Meanwhile, both Chiayi and Yunlin County experienced a slightly lower level 3 intensity. Many residents still felt the quake strongly.Taiwan uses a 7-point scale to measure how a quake feels locally. A level 4 tremor can rattle furniture.
In addition, it often causes hanging objects to swing and windows to shake. Therefore, people indoors usually notice it immediately.Because of the seismic jolt in Chiayi, residents in the city moved quickly to open areas. They left homes and shops in concern.
Furthermore, several schools briefly evacuated students. Teachers followed earthquake protocols to ensure everyone remained safe and calm.Although no major damage was reported, emergency crews still inspected buildings. Their checks focused on older structures and bridges.
At the same time, transportation officials paused some rail services. However, most resumed shortly after safety inspections cleared the tracks.In response, local governments reminded citizens to review earthquake safety plans. They also advised families to store emergency supplies.The seismic jolt in Chiayi reminded everyone of Taiwan’s position on an active fault line.
Tectonic shifts remain a constant threat. Additionally, experts urged people to prepare for possible aftershocks. These smaller quakes can follow large ones within hours or days.As of now, no injuries have been reported. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation around the affected region.Ultimately, the seismic jolt in Chiayi showed the importance of readiness in quake-prone zones. Awareness saves lives during natural disasters.
Therefore, officials continue to stress education, preparedness, and community cooperation. These efforts reduce panic and improve disaster response.In conclusion, Thursday’s quake offered another serious reminder. Earthquakes strike quickly, but smart preparation makes a real difference.
