Hualien: Earthquake Hub of Taiwan (+2024 Quake Aftermath)
I jolted awake to the earth violently rocking back and forth.
Back and forth, back and forth.
Surprisingly, in what felt like such a dire moment, the first words out of my mouth were,
“I knew I should have worn pants to bed last night.”
It was 7:35 in the morning, and I was experiencing my first ever earthquake in none other than Hualien, Taiwan.
6.1 magnitude, so not a minuscule shake by any account.
When the shaking finished, I ran outside to see the aftermath and reactions of the quake. Instead, I found people continuing about their day- kids continued to walk to school, and bakeries continued to set out fresh-baked goods.
This is because earthquakes in Taiwan occur almost daily, especially along the eastern coast, where most of the earthquakes originate. While not all earthquakes can be felt in Taipei in the north, they can be felt when visiting Taiwan’s east coast county of Hualien.
With the largest earthquake in Taiwan in 25 years hitting Hualien as recently as April 2024, causing landslides and nine buildings to collapse, I began to wonder more about the regularity of earthquakes in Hualien.
Table of Contents
Quick Hualien Travel Tips
Getting in- There are four main methods of travel to Hualien: bus, train, car rental, or day tours. You can read more information online about how to get from Taipei to Hualien, and browse tickets.
Where to Stay—When choosing accommodation in Hualien, there are three main areas to choose from: Qixingtan Beach, the city center near the night market, and the railway/ bus station. For Hualien area information and accommodation inspo, read my blog post.
What to eat- Hualien is unique because they have their own takes on traditional Taiwanese foods, making their cuisine different from anywhere else on the island! I have a list of food and restaurant recommendations for you to check out!
Activities- Hualien is not just nature and night markets; it also has a vast Indigenous community! Get involved with the local Aboriginal community or learn more about other activities that may interest you!
Taiwan’s Geological Background
Taiwan is quite prone to earthquakes because of its location along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Rire is a 25,000-mile-long zone consisting of seismic faults surrounding the many coasts lining the Pacific Ocean. Ninety percent of earthquakes worldwide originate in this zone.
An average of 263 earthquakes in Taiwan with a magnitude of 4 or greater shake the island yearly (or 21 monthly earthquakes). The majority of these earthquakes originate along Taiwan’s eastern Pacific coast in Taitung or Hualien.
Earthquakes in Hualien
Hualien is the heart of Taiwan’s jaw-dropping, dreamy landscapes where the mountains meet the sea, deep-fried scallion pancakes with runny eggs, and warm indigenous communities.
It is also the heart of the majority of the earthquakes in Taiwan.
This screenshot of the September 2024 earthquakes on Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration website shows just how often there are earthquakes in Hualien.
Earthquake Aftermath of 2024
In April 2024, Taiwan experienced its most significant and frightening earthquake in 25 years. The quake, measured at 7.4 magnitude using the Richter scale, shook the entire island. The devastating earthquake originated in Hualien, where buildings came down and mountain landslides commenced.
The massive earthquake in Taiwan was followed by an additional 29 aftershocks with a magnitude greater than 4.
Earthquake Preparedness
So, should you be worried when traveling about earthquakes in Taiwan?
In short, no.
After the 1999 earthquake, when 51,000 buildings were destroyed and a similar number damaged, the government got to work on updating and enhancing building safety codes even further. As of 2022, around 1,000 buildings have seismic features to counteract swaying, such as damping. Dampers are made to counteract swaying, which is what the Taipei 101 skyscraper uses- which was once the world’s tallest building. The government also requires the reinforcement of structures built before the updated codes were introduced.
What To Do in an Earthquake
Before visiting Taiwan (especially Hualien), make sure you are well-versed in what to do in case of an earthquake. You can read more about earthquake safety here from the US Geological Survey government website.
Final Thoughts
Hualien’s seismic activity is undeniably a part of its identity, but it shouldn’t deter visitors from experiencing its breathtaking beauty and rich culture. While earthquakes are frequent, Taiwan’s robust building codes, advanced warning systems, and the population’s preparedness significantly mitigate risks. As with any travel, being informed and prepared is key. By understanding the local context, respecting nature’s power, and following safety guidelines, visitors can safely enjoy all that Hualien has to offer – from its stunning landscapes to its warm communities and culinary delights. Hualien’s seismic activity is just one facet of its dynamic character, adding depth to an already fascinating destination that continues to captivate travelers worldwide.
