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5.1-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Taiwan, No Damage Reported

12/18/2025

49 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Hualien County, Taiwan, on December 18, 2025, at 7:32 p.m.
The epicenter was 18.3 kilometers northeast of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 31.6 kilometers.
The Central Weather Administration reported the strongest intensity as level 4 in Hualien County and level 3 in Yilan County.
No damage or injuries were reported, though Taipei buildings briefly shook, underscoring Taiwan's seismic vulnerability.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Jiji earthquake struck Taiwan on September 21, registering a magnitude of 7.7 and resulting in 2,415 deaths and over 100,000 displaced individuals. This disaster highlighted Taiwan's vulnerability to seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire, prompting significant changes in building codes and disaster preparedness, including the establishment of the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act in 2000.

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Story summary

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Hualien County, Taiwan, on December 18, 2025, at 7:32 p.m.
The epicenter was 18.3 kilometers northeast of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 31.6 kilometers.
The Central Weather Administration reported the strongest intensity as level 4 in Hualien County and level 3 in Yilan County.
No damage or injuries were reported, though Taipei buildings briefly shook, underscoring Taiwan's seismic vulnerability.

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