KARACHI, Pakistan: A 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook buildings in Taiwan on Thursday morning, January 30, as a series of tremors hit the island. While there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, experts warn that more seismic activity could follow.

The strongest quake struck at 10.11 a.m. in Dapu Township, Chiayi County, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Agency (CWA) and the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Taipei, where buildings swayed slightly.

Shortly after, at least a dozen smaller aftershocks were recorded in Dapu. These were linked to a previous 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the same area on January 21, injuring 15 people and damaging buildings and a highway bridge.

Seismologists say Taiwan is currently experiencing increased seismic activity, which could result in more aftershocks or even new earthquakes. The island sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Taiwan has faced major quakes in the past, including a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1999 that claimed 2,415 lives. Since then, the country has strengthened building codes, improved emergency responses, and regularly conducts earthquake drills in schools and workplaces. Citizens also receive early warnings via mobile alerts.

Later in the morning, five smaller quakes hit Dapu, with magnitudes ranging from 3.2 to 4.3. The CWA predicts more aftershocks in the coming days.

Taiwan has experienced several strong earthquakes recently. On January 21, a 6.4 magnitude quake in Chiayi County injured 26 people. Just a few days later, on January 26, a 5.7 magnitude quake struck Tainan’s Dongshan Township.

Last April, 2024 Taiwan’s eastern coastal county of Hualien was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in 25 years. It killed at least 13 people, injured over 1,000, and caused severe damage, including the collapse of a hotel and the closure of Taroko National Park. That quake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks.

How Does Earthquakes Occur?

As per science,  There are 7 plates inside the earth, which keep moving. The area where these plates collide is called faultline. The corners of the plates bend due to repeated collisions. When too much pressure is created, the plates start breaking. The energy below finds a way to come out and after the disturbance,  tremor occurs. The epicenter of the earthquake is the place below which the energy is released due to the movement of the plates. The vibrations of the earthquake are more intense at this place. As the frequency of the vibration increases, its effect decreases.