Earthquakes are a common occurrence, happening hundreds of times each day worldwide. However, the majority are minor, registering at a magnitude of 2 or lower and are rarely felt. It is the more significant earthquakes, typically magnitude 6 or higher, that pose a threat to populated areas. This year, notable earthquakes have struck Japan and Taiwan, with other major tremors occurring in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Tonga, Brazil, China, Vanuatu, Guatemala, Macquarie Island, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies these earthquakes as "significant," based on factors such as magnitude, the number of people affected, and pager alert levels triggered.
"The most powerful earthquakes this year were the magnitude 7.5 event on January 1, 2024, in Noto Peninsula, Japan, and the magnitude 7.4 event on April 2, 2024, 16 kilometers south of Hualien City, Taiwan," explained Jonathan Stewart of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, an expert in earthquake engineering.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake caused extensive damage, particularly in nearby Suzu, Wajima, Noto, and Anamizu, claiming approximately 245 lives and affecting neighboring communities like Toyama and Niigata. Japan, situated on four tectonic plates, experiences about 1,500 tremors annually, though most go unnoticed.
The recent earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, struck 18 kilometers southwest of the city with a magnitude of 7.4, resulting in at least 18 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Stewart highlighted the importance of studying the ground shaking and deformation caused by such earthquakes, as well as understanding how infrastructure can withstand such intense events. He also emphasized the need for policies that facilitate the rapid recovery of affected communities and mitigate future quake impacts.