TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two earthquakes, measuring 5.5 and 5.6 in magnitude, struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan early Thursday (April 25), according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). The agency said the quakes were not aftershocks of the April 3 tremor.
The first quake, a magnitude 5.6, occurred at 2:11 a.m. in the eastern waters, followed less than a minute later by a 5.5 magnitude quake. Seismological Center Director Wu Chien-fu said the quakes were unrelated to the April 3 event and were independent incidents.
Wu said the epicenter of the quakes was located 73.5 kilometers east of the Hualien County government office, at a depth of 18.5 kilometers, classifying them as shallow earthquakes.
The epicenter was in the Nanao Basin, where the Philippine Sea Plate begins to subduct beneath the Eurasian Plate, forming a basin. Earthquakes frequently occur in this area.
Wu reminded the public that Taiwan is located at the collision point of two plates, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. He urged residents to always be prepared for earthquakes. The CWA will continue to monitor seismic activity across Taiwan.
