M 5.4 - 30 km W of Hengchun, Taiwan
July 29, 2009 at 16:53:03 UTC
Depth: 11.10 km (Shallow)
Key Takeaway
This moderate earthquake (M5.4) occurred 16 years ago near 30 km W of Hengchun, Taiwan, at a depth of 11.10 km (shallow). It was felt by 18 people.
Moderate
PAGER Alert
Tsunami
Felt Reports
Event Details
| Magnitude | 5.4 mwb |
| Depth | 11.10 km (Shallow) |
| Location | 21.9840N, 120.4470E |
| Community Intensity | VI (Strong) |
| Felt Reports (DYFI) | 18 people |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Significance | 459 / 3000 |
| Status | Reviewed |
| Network | us |
| USGS Event Page | View on USGS → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of this earthquake?
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.4, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.
How deep was this earthquake?
This earthquake occurred at a depth of 11.10 km, classified as "Shallow". Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface because the energy has less distance to travel before reaching buildings and infrastructure.
Where exactly did this earthquake occur?
This earthquake occurred near 30 km W of Hengchun, Taiwan, at coordinates 21.9840N, 120.4470E. The location is determined by analyzing seismic wave arrival times at multiple monitoring stations.
Were there aftershocks associated with this event?
Aftershock data for this specific event can be explored by viewing nearby recent earthquakes listed below on this page. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area following a larger event, and they can continue for days, weeks, or even months depending on the original earthquake's magnitude.
What does the magnitude of this earthquake mean in practical terms?
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake is classified as "Moderate" — these are widely felt and can cause damage to vulnerable structures, though well-built buildings typically withstand them.
Nearby Recent Earthquakes
26 km SE of Puli, Taiwan
16 years ago · 18.10 km deep
35 km ESE of Lugu, Taiwan
16 years ago · 18.40 km deep
3 km SW of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 4.20 km deep
14 km ENE of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 10.00 km deep
24 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 10.00 km deep
53 km ENE of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 37.20 km deep
61 km S of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 7.70 km deep
63 km ENE of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 43.90 km deep
61 km E of Hualien City, Taiwan
16 years ago · 17.00 km deep
22 km SSE of Donggang, Taiwan
16 years ago · 30.20 km deep
More Earthquakes in Taiwan
5 km ENE of Yujing, Taiwan
4 days ago · 10.00 km deep
11 km NNW of Yujing, Taiwan
4 days ago · 10.00 km deep
46 km SSE of Yilan, Taiwan
1 week ago · 12.28 km deep
19 km SE of Yilan, Taiwan
1 week ago · 67.85 km deep
31 km ESE of Yilan, Taiwan
2 weeks ago · 67.30 km deep
186 km SSW of Hengchun, Taiwan
3 weeks ago · 7.09 km deep
33 km WSW of Hengchun, Taiwan
1 month ago · 10.00 km deep
15 km S of Hengchun, Taiwan
1 month ago · 10.00 km deep
More M5.0-6.0 Earthquakes
20 km ESE of Farkhār, Afghanistan
1 hour ago · 197.06 km deep
119 km E of Caucete, Argentina
2 hours ago · 146.38 km deep
4 km E of Hukay, Philippines
3 hours ago · 161.17 km deep
93 km E of Hihifo, Tonga
18 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
71 km SSE of Shihezi, China
21 hours ago · 10.00 km deep
228 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska
22 hours ago · 9.34 km deep
57 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan
23 hours ago · 60.39 km deep
69 km E of Tobelo, Indonesia
1 day ago · 10.00 km deep
Data from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (ComCat). QuakeScan is not affiliated with the USGS. Event details may be updated as new data becomes available.