TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two earthquakes with magnitudes over 6 struck Shoufeng Township in Hualien County early Tuesday (April 23), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The shallow quakes were felt across Taiwan and are considered aftershocks of the April 3 earthquake in Hualien.
Since the April 3 quake, over a thousand aftershocks have been recorded, with about half of those over magnitude 5 occurring in the past 15 hours. The CWA's Seismological Center Director Wu Chien-fu explained that Shoufeng, located west of the main quake's epicenter, experienced intense shaking due to the shallow depth of the aftershocks.
Wu noted that while the intensity and frequency of aftershocks will decrease over time, stress adjustments and transfers can lead to sudden increases in seismic activity.
From 5:08 p.m. the previous day to 8 a.m. Tuesday, approximately 180 earthquakes have occurred in succession. Wu also warned of increased landslide risks in mountainous areas due to recent rainfall. He advised the public to avoid these areas if possible.
