On April 6, 2024 the island of Taiwan suffered one of the strongest earthquakes since the Chi-Chi quake in 1999. With a magnitude of 7.4, it was supposed to be one of the most disastrous but with ample preparations the island of Taiwan, with a population of 300,000, only suffered 13 deaths with 1,160 injured. But how was this possible?

On September 21, 1999, the Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan presented very similar magnitudes but resulted in a devastating loss of life; 2,400 dead and 11,000 injured. This earthquake was eye opening for the island and thus began the Islands efforts towards safety and improvement. For the past twenty-five years, the government has implemented a nationwide earthquake drill on September 21. Such drills consist of mock alerts and practice evacuations throughout the island. 

Hualien County, where the earthquake hit the hardest, is located around the ring of fire. Such dangers made it essential for the island to have nationwide alerts in case of emergencies which gave residents valuable seconds to find shelter. However, many smaller countries who experienced magnitudes of four or less complained about not receiving any alerts. The government of Taiwan is currently debating this issue as they are aware that sending out too frequent alerts over every quake may result in residents turning off their alerts and risk missing an alert for a greater natural disaster. 

According to official statistics, the buildings in Taiwan are around thirty years old. The Government found this a serious risk and since 1999 have started the construction of around 4 million homes and additional subsidies were given to local authorities to improve buildings judged to be unsafe. 

 Taiwan is very susceptible to earthquakes and as such the government and society has implemented higher levels of education over the years to inform students over the dangers and actions one should take during an earthquake. Such policies and emphasis on public education have been taken much more seriously than in other countries. In an island so prone to such natural disasters, this kind of education is likely partly responsible for the safety and actions many of the people took during such a time.

Although the earthquake on April 6, 2024 was not as damaging as the Chi-Chi earthquake of 1999, it shall likely remain one of the most memorable. Instead of being remembered for its destruction however, the earthquake was a testament to the improvement and determination of the Taiwanese people.