M4.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien City, Taiwan — A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck off Taiwan's east coast on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.

What happened:

The quake hit at 3:48 PM Central Time (4:48 AM Saturday local time), centered about 35 kilometers east-southeast of Hualien City at a depth of roughly 14 kilometers.

Impacts:

The USGS flagged no tsunami threat from this earthquake. Shaking was likely felt in Hualien City and nearby coastal communities. No damage reports were available at publication time. Aftershocks are possible in the hours ahead.

What to do:

- If shaking starts: drop, cover, and hold on under sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.

- Stay away from windows and anything that could fall.

- After the shaking, check for gas leaks, damaged wiring, and broken glass before moving through the building.

- Be ready for aftershocks and avoid damaged structures.

*Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 23, 2026.*