Recent earthquakes near Taipei
Taipei sits in a basin on soft sediments at the northern tip of Taiwan, near the Shanchiao Fault along the basin's western edge and not far from the Ryukyu subduction zone offshore. The soft basin fill can amplify shaking from regional earthquakes. The 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, though centred well to the south, caused a building collapse in the city. In the past 24 hours, Taipei has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.3 | Sep 8, 22:32 UTC | 51 km | 57 km W of Yonakuni, Japan |
Notable recent activity
An M4.3 earthquake struck 57 km W of Yonakuni, Japan at 22:32 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 51 km.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taipei at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. Taipei sits in a sediment-filled basin that can amplify seismic shaking, with the active Shanchiao Fault along its western margin and the Ryukyu subduction zone offshore. Both regional and local sources contribute to its hazard.
Does Taipei get earthquakes often?
Taipei feels earthquakes regularly, mostly moderate shaking from events elsewhere on the island or offshore. Taiwan's overall seismicity is very high, and the capital's soft-soil basin makes it sensitive to that activity.
Has Taipei been damaged by an earthquake?
During the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, centred over 100 km to the south, a residential building in Taipei collapsed, killing dozens — an illustration of how basin amplification can carry distant earthquakes into the city.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.