A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Hualien County of eastern Taiwan at 13:56 UTC (21:56 local time) on February 4, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 7.8 km (4.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Taiwan Seismological Center is reporting this quake as M5.8 at a depth of 16 km (9.9 miles) and at least 9 aftershocks over the next 30 minutes. In addition, this area was hit by 4 moderately strong earthquakes several hours before the M6.1.
According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 14.8 km (9.2 miles) NNE Hualien City (population 350 468), 71.6 km (44.5 miles) ENE of Puli (population 84 406) and 73.3 km (45.6 miles) S of Yilan (population 94 188), Taiwan.
There are 4 210 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles) and 26 000 within 10 km.
128 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 95 000 strong, 57 000 moderate and 21 684 000 weak.
This earthquake can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.
Note: This report is based on preliminary data. Updates can be accessed at the following link: https://watchers.news/2018/02/04/very-strong-m6-1-earthquake-hits-taiwan-numerous-aftershocks/