Natural Disaster Earthquake, Taiwan

Earthquake in Taiwan

• A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3, 2024, with a magnitude of 7.4.
• The epicenter was located 11 miles south of Hualien on Taiwan's east coast.
• It was the most powerful earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
• The earthquake was felt across Taiwan and as far away as Hong Kong and Shanghai, China.
• The earthquake caused significant damage, including over 1,000 injuries, at least 13 fatalities, and potentially 6 people buried in rubble.

Taiwan's Earthquake Preparedness

• Taiwan's preparedness for earthquakes played a significant role in limiting casualties compared to the 1999 earthquake in Taiwan, which had a magnitude of 7.7 and resulted in 2,400 deaths and over 11,000 injuries.
• Preemptive measures, such as seismic sensors that alert at-risk residents, and annual earthquake drills, contribute to the lower death toll.
• Strict building codes in Taiwan helped structures withstand the earthquake and its aftershocks, allowing residents to escape unharmed.
• Landslides near mountain areas were the primary cause of fatalities in the April 2024 earthquake.

Taiwan's Location and Earthquake Frequency

• Taiwan is located along the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped area on the edge of the Pacific plate, which makes it prone to earthquakes.
• The Ring of Fire is where 90% of the world's earthquakes and 75% of volcanic eruptions occur.
• Taiwan is also situated on an active tectonic plate boundary, where the Pacific Plate, the largest and most active of the Earth's nine tectonic plates, meets the Eurasian Plate.

Aftermath

• Life in Hualien, Taiwan returned to normalcy within days of the earthquake, with many businesses reopening.
• Officials credit Taiwan's earthquake preparedness as one of the most advanced in the world, citing factors like strict building codes, a world-class seismological network, and widespread public education campaigns.