EERI’s Learning From Earthquakes (LFE) program is currently monitoring the impacts of the destructive M7.4 earthquake that struck near Hualien City, Taiwan at 7:58 AM local time on April 3, 2024 (11:58 PM on April 2, 2024 UTC). A M6.4 aftershock occurred 13 minutes later. According to media reports, the earthquake damaged buildings and disrupted lifelines, causing electricity and internet outages. Multiple buildings collapsed or partially collapsed in Hualien City, and damaging landslides occured in coastal areas nearby. The earthquake caused at least 10 fatalities and over a thousand injuries. Tsunami warnings or alerts were issued by authorities in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, but no significant tsunami damage occurred. The EERI community extends its sympathy to those affected as rescue and response work continues.
Photo: Earthquake damage in Huallien City, Shufu Liu, Office of the President, Taiwan (CC BY 2.0)
For more information, visit the following resources:
USGS:
- Event Page (M7.4, PAGER Yellow)
- Event Page (M6.4, PAGER Green)
Media Coverage:
- Taiwan earthquake live updates: buildings collapse after strongest quake in 25 years; tsunami warning in Japan (The Guardian)
- Buildings damaged, tsunami warning issued after Taiwan hit by magnitude 7.4 earthquake (Washington Post)
- 7.4-magnitude quake strikes off Taiwan’s east coast, sparking tsunami warnings (CNN)
Learning From Earthquakes Resources:
- M6.9 September 18, 2022 Earthquake Resource Page
- M6.4 February 5, 2016 Southern Taiwan Earthquake Virtual Clearinghouse
EERI is evaluating the situation and consulting with local colleagues and experts to determine how LFE should respond. A resource page has been established on the LFE website to collect reconnaissance information and reports. More information will be shared on the EERI website in the future.