Hualien: A magnitude 5.9 earthquake that struck approximately 33 kilometers off the coast of Hualien City has been identified as the "main shock" in a series of seismic activities in the region, with aftershocks anticipated over the next three days, according to Central Weather Administration (CWA).

According to Focus Taiwan, the earthquake, which occurred at 6:53 p.m. on Monday, was preceded by six other quakes exceeding a magnitude of 4. The series began with a magnitude 5.5 quake at 6:09 p.m. Wu Chien-fu, director of the CWA's Seismological Center, confirmed that the earthquakes were connected, with the magnitude 5.5 temblor serving as a "foreshock" and the 5.9 quake being the main event. Initially, the CWA considered the 5.5 quake as the primary shock; however, it was later superseded by the 5.9 quake. Wu stated that additional aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5 to 5.5 could still occur in the coming days.

The magnitude 5.9 earthquake was experienced across most of Taiwan, with the highest intensity level of 4 recorded on Taiwan's seven-tier intensity scale in Hualien City, Yanliao, Taroko, and Tongmen in the northern part of Hualien County. Intensity levels of 3 were noted in Yilan County to the north and Nantou County on Hualien County's western border.

As of 8:30 p.m. Monday, the only aftershock following the main shock at 6:53 p.m. was a magnitude 4.3 quake. Its epicenter was located on land, 12.3 kilometers west-northwest of the Hualien County government offices.