Earthquake in Taiwan

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Taiwan
Tuesday, September 21, 1999, 1:47 a.m. local time

Learn earthquake basics in Earthquakes 101.

Earthquake epicenter: Nantou and Taichang counties, about 90 miles southwest of the capital, Taipei. It was the largest earthquake to hit the island on record.

Aftershocks: Two aftershocks of 6.8 and 6.1 magnitude struck on Wednesday, September 22, in addition to the thousands that shook the region shortly after the earthquake. There were concerns of a tsunami for Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Yap, Guam, and Palau.

Magnitude:7.6

Casualties: as of Wednesday, September 22, more than 1,800 people were dead and another 4,000 were injured.

Last major quake: 13 years ago, on November 14, 1986. A magnitude 7.8 quake killed 15 people.