At least nine people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst earthquake to hit Taiwan in a quarter of a century.
Buildings collapsed, highways collapsed, and train services were disrupted after the earthquake.
The weakest areas are along the volatile Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” and Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is well documented. The proximity of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate beneath the mountainous landscape consistently presents a seismic hazard.
The tension between these tectonic plates often leads to strong earthquakes and devastating landslides, especially along the east coast of Taiwan.
Resilience through preparation
Despite its weaknesses, Taiwan’s ability to withstand seismic shocks is among the best in the world. Strong building codes, sophisticated seismological networks, and widespread public education campaigns form the basis of earthquake preparedness strategies.
The government’s push for stricter building standards and seismic assessments for existing structures reflects its proactive stance.
Lessons from tragedy
Tragedy events such as the 2016 collapse in Tainan have prompted a measure of accountability. Construction negligence led to the man’s death, citing the importance of following safety protocols.
Frequent earthquakes in schools and workplaces, along with public awareness initiatives, are a constant reminder of the ever-present seismic risk.
Live with uncertainty
With a history marked by more than 2,000 earthquakes since 1980, Taiwan understands the need for constant vigilance. Despite progress in preparation, the specter of catastrophic seismic events remains high.
