Mag 6.4 Earthquake near Pingtung, Taiwan

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck near Pingtung, Taiwan, focusing on its impact, casualties, and structural damage. Participants share updates on the situation, including the status of buildings and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report that a 17-story building collapsed, with 13 stories completely down and 4 remaining intact.
  • There are conflicting reports regarding the death toll, with some stating three confirmed dead, while others mention the number has risen to seven and then to 17.
  • One participant shares personal experience of being affected by a previous earthquake, noting the significant energy felt even at a distance of 60 miles.
  • Updates indicate that more than 130 people are missing, and multiple buildings have reportedly toppled.
  • Concerns are raised about the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant's safety, although it is stated that it does not seem to be affected by the earthquake.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying reports on the death toll and the extent of damage, indicating that there is no consensus on the exact numbers or the situation's severity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the total impact of the earthquake.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the information provided, including the evolving nature of casualty reports and the status of rescue operations. The discussion reflects ongoing updates and uncertainties surrounding the event.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those following natural disasters, emergency response efforts, and the impact of seismic events on infrastructure.

Astronuc
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. . . . a shallow 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck before dawn Saturday, leaving still others trapped inside.
http://news.yahoo.com/6-4-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-southern-taiwan-210602384.html

Nearest major cities are Tainan and Kaohsiung.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20004y6h#general_region

Time: 2016-02-05 19:57:27 (UTC)

Distance from major cities:
  1. 28km (17mi) NE of Pingtung, Taiwan
  2. 35km (22mi) SE of Yujing, Taiwan
  3. 46km (29mi) NE of Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  4. 48km (30mi) ESE of Tainan, Taiwan
  5. 672km (418mi) E of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Location (Lat, Long) = 22.871 °N 120.668 °E
Depth = 23.0 km (14.3 mi); shallow

The Maanshan NPP is about 100 km (62 miles) SSE of Pingtung. It doesn't seem to be affected, but I haven't seen any news from Taipower. Hopefully, there will be a statement for AEC or Taipower in the next 12 to 24 hours.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Apparently it took down a 17 story building!
Apparently, 13 stories completely collapsed, and 4 are still intact.

A mag 6.4 earthquake at 23 km from the surface is pretty significant.

I've been bounced around by a mag 6.3 which was on the other side of some mountains 60 miles away. I was very impressed by the energy at that distance.
 
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StevieTNZ said:
last nite's news , that had risen to 7

recorded it well on my seismo ...
.
160205.200203.zhi.gif
Dave
 
davenn said:
last nite's news , that had risen to 7

It has subsequently risen to 17.
 
StevieTNZ said:
It has subsequently risen to 17.

:frown::frown:
 
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