Why in the news? 

On April 3, Taiwan was struck by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude. This was strongest in last 25 years.

Reason behind the earthquake in Taiwan

• In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate. 
• Lying 160 km off the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent boundary of the Philippine and Eurasian plates in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a country of strong earthquakes.

Why other countries should take lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience?

• In 1999, the Chi-Chi earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in the central part of Taiwan and impacted the western region. It killed more than 2,430 people and left 11,305 wounded. It caused more than 50,000 buildings to collapse and partially damaged as many.
• In 2024, Hualien earthquake killed at least 13 people and injured about 1,000. Most of the deaths were caused by earthquake-triggered rockfalls and not by toppled buildings. Despite being of nearly comparable magnitude, the 2024 earthquake has caused minimal damage compared to the 1999 earthquake.

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness

• Advanced Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Taiwan boasts the most advanced earthquake-monitoring network and early warning systems, allowing for quick detection and alerting of seismic activity.
• Public Awareness Campaigns and Drills: Widespread awareness campaigns and regular drills on earthquake safety have significantly improved the public’s understanding of earthquake risks and proper safety protocols.
• Government Regulations and Incentives: The government constantly updates earthquake safety requirements for both new and existing buildings. Additionally, incentives such as subsidies are offered to residents to improve the quake resistance of buildings, encouraging compliance with safety standards.
• Scientific Judgments for Seismic Risk: Utilizing knowledge of earthquake frequency and severity in different areas, Taiwan is able to make sound scientific judgments regarding seismic risk.
• Utilization of New Technologies: Taiwan employs cutting-edge technologies such as seismic dampers and base isolation systems to enhance building resilience. For example, Taipei 101, the nation’s iconic building, features a tuned mass damper—a massive steel sphere suspended by cables within the tower—which acts as a pendulum to counteract building motion during earthquakes.

What India can learn from Taiwan?

• Importance of Seismic Safety Regulations: India, especially in tectonically unstable regions like the Himalayas, must prioritize seismic safety regulations in all infrastructure projects.  
• Customized Seismic Codes: Similar to Taiwan, India should develop seismic codes tailored to specific regions based on local earthquake activity, building types, and construction materials. These customized codes can better address the unique seismic risks faced by different parts of the country.
• Utilization of Traditional Architectural Styles: In some parts of India, traditional architectural styles may possess inherent earthquake resistivity. By rediscovering and encouraging the use of these traditional techniques, India can promote earthquake-resistant building practices that are culturally and environmentally sustainable.
• Integration of Seismic Zonation Maps: Indian code IS 1893 already specifies seismic designs based on seismic zonation maps. It’s crucial for India to integrate these maps effectively into urban planning and construction practices to ensure that buildings are designed and located in accordance with seismic risk assessments.

Conclusion

Earthquakes is natural disasters with unpredictable occurrences, can have devastating effects on society. However, their impact can be mitigated through preventive measures such as early warning systems, construction regulations, and raising awareness about earthquake preparedness.

Mains PYQ 

Q Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.(UPSC IAS/2021)

Mains question for practice 

Q Analyzing Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness following the April 3rd 7.4 magnitude earthquake, explore lessons for India’s earthquake resilience strategy.

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