A magnitude 6.3 earthquake shakes Taiwan, leaving the population on constant alert.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 shook the east coast of Taiwan this Friday, a natural phenomenon that has once again highlighted the vulnerability of this region to seismic activity. The tremor, which was recorded at 07:35 local time (23:35 GMT on Thursday), occurred just 14 hours after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake rattled the same area, leaving the population in a state of constant alert. The epicenter of the 6.3 earthquake was located in the Pacific Ocean, 34.2 kilometers southeast of Hualien County, at a depth of 9.7 kilometers. Despite the magnitude of the tremor, no significant damage or casualties have been reported so far, which has relieved authorities and the local population. However, concerns about infrastructure safety and the potential for aftershocks are palpable. Social media quickly flooded with videos and testimonies from Hualien residents, who shared images of lamps and shelves shaking in their homes, evidencing the force of the quake. Such seismic events are not uncommon in Taiwan, an island situated in the so-called "Ring of Fire," known for its high seismic activity. After the 6.3 earthquake, at least eleven aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 3.7 to 4.8, all occurring in the same area off the coast of Hualien. These aftershocks continued to worry the population, which remains alert to the possibility of a stronger tremor. Local authorities have urged citizens to be prepared and to have an emergency kit on hand in case the situation worsens. The Hualien region has experienced significant earthquakes in the past, prompting authorities to implement safety and evacuation protocols. However, the collective memory of past events always creates an atmosphere of tension and fear among the population. Many Taiwanese still remember the devastating earthquake of 2016 that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. In response to the situation, Taiwan's Emergency Operations Center was activated immediately after the tremor, beginning an assessment of damages and preparations for possible evacuations. Collaboration among various government agencies and the community has been key in the swift response to the emergency. Seismology experts warn that Taiwan must always be prepared for strong tremors due to its geographical location. The archipelago formed by Taiwan and its surroundings is situated in a tectonic plate convergence zone, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes occurring throughout the year. As data is analyzed and aftershocks assessed, the Taiwanese people remain united in uncertainty, remembering the importance of disaster preparedness. Awareness campaigns on what to do in the event of an earthquake are vital and have intensified in recent years, but the experiences many have lived through during past earthquakes serve as a constant reminder. In a global context where natural disasters seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity, the resilience of the Taiwanese population is admirable. The community has shown itself to be strong and supportive, helping one another in times of crisis. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and although the latest earthquake has not caused significant damage, vigilance and preparedness remain essential to protect citizens against an uncertain future.