M4.9 Earthquake Hualien City, Taiwan

On May 20, 2026 at 12:25 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 shallow crustal earthquake struck 82 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan, at a depth of 24.6 km and coordinates 23.2439°, 121.4465°. This earthquake was detected by 62 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred 8 days ago 79 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Taiwan, a region characterized by the collision of the Luzon volcanic arc with the Eurasian continental margin, where the Philippine Sea Plate converges at 80 mm per year. View all earthquakes in Taiwan.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Hualien City, Taiwan?

The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck 82 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan on May 20, 2026 at 12:25 UTC had a depth of 24.6 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 23.2439°, 121.4465°, which is 82 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan. View all earthquakes in Taiwan.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.9 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 79 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Taiwan had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Taiwan was the M7.6 Chi-Chi earthquake of September 21, 1999. Today's magnitude 4.9 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

What should I do after an earthquake?

If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.

M4.9 Earthquake 82 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan — May 20, 2026

Earthquake Details

Technical Information

Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)