Full Breakdown
July 26, 2026, Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes New Taipei
7/27/2026, 3:55:34 AM
Core Event
At 8:36 p.m. on July 26, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported a magnitude 5.6 earthquake whose epicenter was located 35.8 km east-southeast of New Taipei City Hall, at a focal depth of 95.7 km. The tremor produced intensity level 3 on Taiwan’s seven-tier scale in Yilan County, New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Hualien County, Taichung and Miaoli County, while intensity level 2 was recorded in Keelung City, Hsinchu City, Nantou County, Changhua County and Yunlin County. Level 1 shaking was felt in Taitung, Chiayi and Tainan. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were confirmed.
Background & Context
The CWA explained that the quake originated in the subduction zone where the Philippine Sea Plate descends beneath the Eurasian Plate, and it was not linked to an active fault. Basin amplification in the Taipei basin intensified the shaking in the capital and surrounding high-rise districts. Over the past decade, three earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater have occurred near Shuangxi District in New Taipei; the most recent was a magnitude 5.3 event on March 13, 2019 at a depth of 138 km. The broader region east of Yilan has also experienced larger events, including a magnitude 7 quake in 2025 and a magnitude 6.1 quake on May 1, 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Magnitude: 5.6
- Depth: 95.7 km
- Epicenter: 35.8 km east-southeast of New Taipei City Hall (Shuangxi District)
- Intensity Level 3: Yilan, New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Hualien, Taichung, Miaoli
- Intensity Level 2: Keelung, Hsinchu City, Nantou, Changhua, Yunlin
- Intensity Level 1: Taitung, Chiayi, Tainan
- Aftershock Forecast: Magnitude 4.5-5 expected over the next week
Official Statements & Responses
Wu Chien-fu, director of the Earthquake Forecasting Center of the Central Weather Bureau, attributed the event to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate and noted that any aftershocks of about magnitude 5 in the coming week would likely be imperceptible at the surface because of the quake’s depth. The CWA emphasized that the deep focal depth caused most seismic energy to be absorbed by upper strata, limiting damage.
Transportation authorities temporarily halted service on the Taipei Metro, Danhai Light Rail, Ankeng Light Rail, Sanying Line, Circular Line and Airport MRT. After inspecting equipment and track conditions, services resumed at reduced speeds. The agency also issued national disaster alerts to residents’ mobile phones.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local media observed distinct shaking in Taipei, amplified by the city’s basin topography and concentration of high-rise structures. Despite the strong perceived motion, authorities reported no injuries and only minor, if any, structural impacts. The deep focus and resulting attenuation of seismic waves were cited as primary reasons for the limited damage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Forecasts for aftershocks vary slightly: the CWA anticipates aftershocks “about magnitude 5” that will not be noticeable, while another agency projects “magnitude 4.5 to 5” could occur over the next week. No further discrepancies were identified in the available reports.
What’s Next
Seismic monitoring agencies will continue to track aftershocks throughout the coming week, with public alerts prepared for any events that exceed the projected magnitude range. Transportation operators remain on standby to adjust service levels if additional tremors affect infrastructure.
