TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Authorities said Thursday morning's 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Chiayi was the aftershock of a larger quake the week before and asked the public to remain cautious of further shakes.
Central Weather Administration Earthquake Monitoring Chief Ho Mei-yi (何美儀) said at a press conference on Thursday that aftershocks have gradually decreased since the 6.4 magnitude quake struck Chiayi on Jan. 21, per CNA. However, she said there may still be larger-scale aftershocks over the coming week.
Ho said people need to remain vigilant. She said 38 clearly felt aftershocks and 96 localized aftershocks occurred between the Jan. 21 quake and the aftershock Thursday morning.
Ho said the Thursday shake was caused by tectonic plates squeezing together under the western foothills of Chiayi’s Dapu area. She said it was still unclear which faultline had caused the earthquakes.
