No abnormality in Jiaxian quake aftershocks: Seismology Center

Kuo Kai-wen, director of the Central Weather Bureau's Seismology Center, made the announcement to calm the anxiety of Jiasian residents, many of whom were rattled by magnitude 4.1 and 3.7 aftershocks that struck their hometown early Wednesday.

Since last week's temblor, more than 300 aftershocks have been recorded, with more than 10 of them measuring over 3 on the Richter scale, according to Seismology Center data.

Kuo said the aftershocks reflected the normal of release of energy and were not cause for alarm.

"Hundreds or even thousands of aftershocks can occur after a big earthquake to release energy," Kuo said.

Noting that both the number and scale of the Jiasian quake aftershocks fall within a normal range, Kuo said the number of Jiasian aftershocks has been declining to one or two per hour.

"There may still be an aftershock measuring 3 or 4 over the next few days, but people should not be overly worried about them, " Kuo said.

As to whether Taiwan has entered a seismically active period, Kuo said no special trend has been detected so far in terms of earthquake frequency.

According to Kuo, Taiwan records an average of 3.6 earthquakes measuring 6 or higher per year. In 2009, four quakes of such a scale were recorded, compared to zero in 2008.

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