Moderate M5.8 earthquake strikes near Yilan, Taiwan

A moderate M5.8 earthquake was recorded at 12:39 UTC on May 1, 2026, about 29 km (18 miles) east-northeast of Yilan, Taiwan, at a depth of 97.3 km (60.5 miles).

The coordinates for this event are 24.9°N, 122.0°E, situating the earthquake inland, east-northeast of the city of Yilan in north-eastern Taiwan. This area is noted for its complex tectonic setting, being close to the interface between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

Taiwan’s northeastern region is populated and traversed by important infrastructure, including major highways, railway lines, and energy facilities supporting the region’s urban and rural communities.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS received a total of 5 felt reports for this event. The significance index is 520 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Northeastern Taiwan is an active seismic region, characterized by frequent moderate-to-strong earthquakes due to the interaction of tectonic plates along the Ryukyu Trench and adjacent subduction zones.

This information was last updated at 12:55 UTC on May 1, 2026.