Aftershocks Above Magnitude 5 Predicted Following Hualien Earthquake

Hualien: The Central Weather Administration (CWA) on Wednesday warned of possible magnitude 5.0-5.5 aftershocks over the next three days, following a 6.4 quake off Hualien County earlier Wednesday. The magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck at 7 p.m., with its epicenter at sea, about 69.9 kilometers south of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 30.9 kilometers, according to CWA.

According to Focus Taiwan, there were no immediate reports of damage caused by the quake. Wu Chien-fu, director of the CWA's Seismological Center, explained that the earthquake was caused by the collision of the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate. With a depth of around 30.9 kilometers, it was classified as a shallow quake, which resulted in it being felt across nearly all of Taiwan.

Wu cautioned that aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5.0 to 5.5 are expected over the next three days. The CWA continues to monitor the situation closely to provide timely updates and ensure public safety.