TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — From early morning until 6 a.m. Tuesday (April 23), 83 earthquakes were recorded with an epicenter in Hualien, with the two largest measuring magnitude 6.3 and 6, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

Wu Chien-fu (吳健富), director of the CWA Seismology Center, said more than one thousand aftershocks have been associated with the April 3 magnitude 7.2 quake. The CWA said there could be aftershocks for up to six months to a year, per UDN.

Wu said previous aftershocks occurred north of the April 3 epicenter, with a gradual decline in intensity. However, strong aftershocks felt Tuesday morning have moved south of the April 3 epicenter, indicating a change in seismic activity and a shift in underground stress from north to south.

He said the aftershocks have the potential to range between magnitudes 4-6. Given the high probability of aftershocks and heavy rain causing loose soil and rocks to fall on mountain roads, the public is advised to avoid remote mountain areas unless necessary.