A magnitude-5.1 earthquake struck Tainan City in China’s Taiwan region on Sunday, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). Occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers, the quake rattled the city at 9:52 a.m. local time, causing residents to feel significant shaking.
Tremors were also felt across the Taiwan region and in neighboring Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland. In coastal cities like Xiamen and Fuzhou, residents reported mild shaking, though no damage was immediately apparent.
“I was having breakfast when I felt the ground move,” said Li Wei, a resident of Xiamen in Fujian Province. “It was brief, but noticeable.”
Local authorities in Tainan quickly mobilized emergency response teams to assess any potential damage. Initial reports indicated no major structural damage or casualties. However, officials are continuing to monitor the situation and have advised residents to stay vigilant for possible aftershocks.
In Tainan, some public transportation services were temporarily halted for safety inspections. Schools and businesses conducted precautionary checks to ensure buildings were safe for occupancy.
Earthquakes are relatively common in the Taiwan region due to its location along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. The region experiences frequent tectonic movements, making earthquake preparedness a critical aspect of local infrastructure planning.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. It is responsible for about 90% of the world’s earthquakes.
Authorities have reminded the public to familiarize themselves with earthquake safety procedures, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” to reduce the risk of injury during seismic events.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official channels for updates and to report any incidents to local authorities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com