How did Taiwan improve its earthquake preparedness?

Source: The post Taiwan improved its earthquake preparedness has been created, based on the article “A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience” published in “The Hindu” on 23 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster management

News: The article discusses how earthquakes happen in areas where tectonic plates meet and move. It explains how Taiwan has improved its earthquake safety measures after a major quake in 1999, resulting in fewer damages in a recent earthquake. It also suggests how India can enhance its earthquake preparedness.

What causes earthquakes?

Tectonic Plate Movements: Earthquakes primarily occur due to the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates. For instance, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal originated from the movement of the Indian plate against the Eurasian plate.

Convergent Plate Boundaries: Many earthquakes happen along convergent plate boundaries where plates collide. The Himalayas, where India meets Eurasia, are a prominent example of such a region experiencing frequent seismic activity.

Specific Regional Occurrences: In Taiwan, the collision of the Philippine Sea plate with the Eurasian plate causes significant seismic activity, as evidenced by the 1999 Chi-Chi and 2024 Hualien earthquakes.

How has Taiwan improved its earthquake preparedness?

Strengthening Building Codes: Following the devastating 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan implemented stringent building codes to enhance the structural integrity of buildings. This led to minimal damage during the 2024 Hualien earthquake, despite it being nearly as strong.

Establishing Early Warning Systems: Taiwan has developed one of the most advanced earthquake-monitoring networks and early warning systems in the world. These systems provide critical early alerts that help reduce casualties and damage.

Public Awareness and Training: Regular awareness campaigns and drills have significantly improved public understanding of earthquake risks and preparedness.

Legislative Reforms: The Disaster Prevention and Protection Act was passed, and national centers were established to coordinate earthquake response and training, improving overall disaster management.

Innovative Technologies in Construction: Key structures in Taiwan, such as Taipei 101, employ advanced technologies like seismic dampers and base isolation systems to mitigate earthquake effects. Notably, Taipei 101 uses a tuned mass damper, a large steel sphere that acts like a pendulum to stabilize the building during quakes. This technology played a crucial role in preventing damage during recent seismic events.

What can India learn from Taiwan?

Implementing Building Codes: India can adopt Taiwan’s approach of enforcing stringent building codes post-earthquake, ensuring safer constructions.

Enhancing Infrastructure Safety: India should prioritize earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, to mitigate risks effectively.

Improving Emergency Response: Following Taiwan’s lead, India can establish better emergency response systems and public awareness campaigns to minimize casualties and damages during earthquakes.

For details information on Reflection of Earthquake Source Process in the Ionosphere read here

For details information on How to make India earthquake prepared read here

Question for practice:

Discuss Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness measures and what India can learn from them.