Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-02-05

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake rocked Taiwan’s east coast at just before 10pm on Thursday

Picture from Central Weather Bureau

night. While no injuries or major damage have been reported, there were 5 pre-shocks and 18 aftershocks, all in one day, rattling the nerves of people across Taiwan. At least three of those quakes measured over a 5 on the Richter scale.

In an interview late on Thursday night, CWB seismologist Chen Kuo-chang said the situation was “unprecedented”. Although he was also quick to say that the release of energy is normal.

“The sheer number of the quakes [on Thursday] is rare. The fact that many registered a magnitude of over a 5, is something that has never happened since we began [recording seismic activity] with our seismograph in 1972. The high number of quakes in such a short period of time never occurred prior to our using the equipment either,” said Chen.    [FULL  STORY]