Taiwan: Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs east of Hualien at around 17:55 CST Nov. 24

Event

A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurred off Hualien Country, Taiwan, at 17:55 Nov. 24. The epicenter was about 73 km (45 miles) southwest of Yonakuni, Japan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 22.5 km (14 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout north and most of central Taiwan as well as the southern islands of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, significant damage is unlikely in cities such as Hualien, Taipei, and Taitung. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.