Seismic Surprises: A 5.7‑Mthquake Sends Ripples From Taiwan to Hong Kong
On Monday, November 26th, the deep‑sea of the Taiwan Strait trembled, sending a 5.7‑magnitude shockwave that not only rattled Penghu Island but also stirred up a whirlwind of activity in Hong Kong.
What Went Down?
- Location: Roughly 100 km off the coast of Penghu in the Taiwan Strait.
- Depth: 13 km beneath the seabed.
- Initial U.S. estimate: 5.6, later corrected to 5.7 after seismic data settled.
- No immediate casualties or major damage reported.
Magong Gets the Shake‑Up
When the quake creaked on the southern island’s city of Magong, the residents broke out in a chorus of “EARTHQUAKE!”—a frantic, sincere broadcast that the ground had decided it wanted a dance partner.
Hong Kong’s Hyper‑Alert Response
In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, many felt the faint but unmistakable shudder that left glasses rattling and clothes dancing. One Kowloon resident posted:
“I did feel it! I saw the clothes hanging up sway around, and I thought I was going crazy.”
- The Hong Kong Observatory recorded nearly 1,000 reports of the quake being felt, each lasting a few seconds.
- Intensity: IV (four) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale—meaning hanging objects swing, windows rattle, and doors creak.
Why Taiwan Keeps on Trembling
Situated at the crossroads of two tectonic plates, Taiwan’s land is like a playground where giants constantly tug and pulling. That’s why earthquakes are a regular, though unfriendly, party in the region.
Past Shaky Incidents
- February 2023 – A 6.4‑magnitude quake in Hualien claimed 17 lives.
- 1999 – A 7.6‑magnitude quake that tragically took about 2,400 lives.
All in all, this minor seismic burst reminded everyone that the earth beneath our feet keeps a steady rhythm. As long as those plates keep sliding, the dance of the ground will continue.
