Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Recorded South-Southwest of Hengchun, Taiwan

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 mb was recorded on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:27 PM UTC (Friday, February 13, 2026, at 6:27 AM local time). The seismic event was centered approximately 179 kilometers south-southwest of Hengchun, Taiwan.

Location Details

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 20.4833°N and 120.1538°E. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the event occurred at a depth of 15.1 kilometers. This is classified as a shallow earthquake; seismic events occurring at depths of less than 20 kilometers are often more widely felt at the surface than deeper quakes.

Impact Assessment

Based on the available source data, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect. The USGS reported no felt reports at the time of the latest update, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to this event.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake is considered a “moderate” event. While earthquakes of this size can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, they typically result in light or no damage to well-built structures. Residents in the surrounding region should be aware of the potential for aftershocks. In the event of seismic activity, safety experts recommend that you “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

Source

Information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).