6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Taiwan Near Hualien, No Major Damage Reported

A strong earthquake struck near Hualien City on Taiwan's east coast, with magnitude reports varying between 5.9 by the US Geological Survey and 6.4 by Taiwan's Central Weather Administration. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 31 kilometers and was felt by millions, causing buildings to shake in Taipei and prompting safety measures such as slowing down trains. Despite the strong tremor, no casualties, injuries, or major structural damage have been reported so far. Taiwan's location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" makes it prone to frequent seismic activity, and past experiences have led to improved building codes and safety protocols. Authorities issued a green alert, indicating a low likelihood of fatalities or economic losses, but secondary hazards like landslides remain risks in the region. Hualien is less densely populated compared to Taiwan's western side, which may have contributed to the limited impact of this earthquake.