Taiwan Shaken: Tainan Hit by Series of Earthquakes Amid Lunar New Year Preparations

Taiwan experienced a series of significant seismic events over the weekend, with two magnitude 5.7 earthquakes striking Tainan's Dongshan District on Saturday night and Nansi District on Sunday morning. These quakes are identified as aftershocks resulting from a larger magnitude 6.4 earthquake that occurred the previous Tuesday. Experts from the Central Weather Administration (CWA) noted that the epicenters of these aftershocks are moving westward, raising concerns among residents. As families were preparing for the Lunar New Year festivities, the timing of these quakes added an unsettling note to the holiday preparations. Since the main earthquake last week, the CWA has reported a total of 110 aftershocks, including six in the magnitude range of 5 to 6 and 32 measuring between 4 and 5. The aftershocks predominantly affected southern Taiwan, with 31 tremors felt nationally. Despite the widespread effects, the disruption to transportation services, including Taiwan Railway and high-speed rail operations, remained minimal. The first earthquake on Saturday occurred at 7:49 PM and was recorded at a shallow depth of 7.7 kilometers, while the second struck at 7:38 AM the following day at a depth of 8.1 kilometers. This classification as "very shallow" by the CWA indicates a potentially higher intensity of shaking. Both events were closely monitored, especially due to their proximity to the Zengwen Reservoir, a critical water source in the region. Professor Wen Yi-ying, a seismologist at National Chung Cheng University, highlighted the importance of monitoring the area around the reservoir, as the quakes were associated with local fault lines. The Lunhou Fault, which spans 48 kilometers from Chiayi County to Tainan, was identified as a contributor to the seismic activity. Although it is not considered an actively moving fault, it shows signs of accumulating strain that could lead to larger earthquakes in the future. In light of these developments, authorities have conducted inspections of the reservoir, which is built to withstand seismic activity and was reported to be in good condition. However, safety protocols remain paramount. The CWA reiterated the importance of adhering to earthquake safety measures, advising residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future quakes. The CWA cautioned the public to respond promptly to earthquake alerts received via the Public Warning System, highlighting the need to evacuate to safer locations, protect oneself, and follow established safety procedures. As Taiwan navigates this period of heightened seismic activity, the emphasis on preparedness and community awareness remains vital.