[Explanation] In the early morning of March 23, 8 earthquakes occurred in a short period of time in Taiwan, China, of which the largest magnitude was 6.6.

The earthquake was felt in Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen in Fujian Province.

An expert from the China Earthquake Network Center said in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency that according to monitoring data in recent years, this is not the first time that similar seismic activity has occurred in Taiwan.

  [Concurrent] Jiang Haikun, Director of Science and Technology Committee of China Earthquake Network Center

  As far as this earthquake is concerned, it is actually located in the waters outside of Hualien and Taitung, which are adjacent to the Pacific Ocean in the east of Taiwan, at the intersection of the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate, where seismic activity has always been very strong.

After the magnitude 6.6 earthquake, there were at least magnitude 5.7, 5.2, and 5.7 in a short period of time, and three earthquakes with magnitude 5 or higher, but in fact, in this area, similar phenomena have occurred in the past.

In February 2018, three magnitude-6 earthquakes occurred in less than three days, so it is not surprising that similar phenomena occur in Taiwan.

  [Explanation] Jiang Haikun said that according to the current situation analysis, Taiwan is expected to have aftershocks of magnitude 4 to 5 in the next few days.

  [Concurrent] Jiang Haikun, Director of Science and Technology Committee of China Earthquake Network Center

  The intensity of aftershock activity, as well as its frequency, is actually related to many factors such as the size of the main shock and the structure of the earthquake.

For example, the bigger the main shock, the stronger the aftershocks will be.

Earthquakes occur frequently in Taiwan, so we think aftershocks will still occur, and earthquakes of magnitude four or five cannot actually be ruled out.

  [Explanation] Strong earthquakes will not only cause damage to surface buildings and other disaster losses, but also may cause other geological disasters or secondary disasters.

Jiang Haikun suggested that people in Taiwan should try to avoid buildings and mountainous areas in the near future, and do a good job in disaster prevention and avoidance.

  [Concurrent] Jiang Haikun, Director of Science and Technology Committee of China Earthquake Network Center

  If it is an earthquake, we suggest that you stay still and find some better supports in the house, such as structural connections.

Wait until it stops before going out, and protect your important parts, such as your head.

After an earthquake, avoid secondary injuries.

In towns, for example, you don't want to go into some damaged buildings.

In mountainous areas, it is necessary to avoid some secondary disasters such as landslides and mudslides, especially after the rainfall in the south, the mountain is easy to loosen, and then it is subject to a second earthquake or a strong shaking. This is to be avoided.

  Reported by reporter Lang Jiahui in Beijing

Responsible editor: [Li Yuxin]