TAIWAN’S Superior WARNING SYSTEM
Taiwan is often hit by disasters due to its location on the ends of two seismic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, which USGS says is the most seismically active area in the world.
The next major disaster occurred in April 2024 when the isle was hit by a dangerous 7. 4-magnitude vibration that officers said was the strongest in 25 years.
At least 17 people were killed in that collapse, which triggered mudslides and greatly destroyed buildings around Hualien.
April’s disaster was the most critical in Taiwan since it was struck by a 7. 6-magnitude quake in 1999.
Some 2,400 people died in that collapse, making it the deadliest biological hazard in the island’s history.
Since then, Taiwan has updated and enhanced its building code to include quake-resistant construction techniques, such as metal pubs that allow a building to influence more readily when the earth moves.
Famous for its cutting-edge technology firms, Taiwan has built up an advanced early warning system that can warn the public to possible serious earth shaking within hours.
The program has been enhanced over the years to include new equipment such as phones and high-speed data accessibility, yet in some of the most distant parts of the area.