Earthquake, what?

Hehuan Mountain, Taiwan. Photo Jeff Lee

Numerous high mountains offer great adventures in Taiwan. It also means nature disasters. 

Geologically active, Taiwan is no stranger to the earthquake. Taiwan is formed on a complex convergent boundary of 4 plates: 

Yangtze Subplate of Eurasian Plate to the west and north, 

the Okinawa Plate on the north-east, 

the Philippine Plate on the east and south, 

and the Sunda Plate to the southwest. 

It’s not happening everyday but it does happen once in a while.

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is an event in which the earth suddenly shakes, trembles, or rocks. See a quick youtube introduction here.

How to know you are in an earthquake

For travelers with less to no experiences to the earthquake, it may be confusing in the beginning. You may feel like you are dizzy but it’s not you. It’s the earth!! 

If you are not sure, look for the following signs. If none of these signs apply, go rest. Jet lag can sometimes make you feel like everything is shaking.

·         People look around or look at each other with a cautious face

·         Objects move

·         People rush to get out of a building or hide under a table

Earthquake fish. Photo: Wiki

How to foresee an earthquake in Taiwan

There are no proven scientific ways to predict an earthquake just yet. But researchers have collected some signs before an earthquake from the past. If you experience one of these signs, sleep with your clothes on.

•  Earthquake lights: sample
• Earthquake booms: sample
• Unusual changes in animal behavior, such as earthquake fish (Giant oarfish) caught by fisherman or washed onshore
• News of above

Taiwan is a small island so the news spreads out fast. Pay attention to the TV’s in stores or restaurants. Any of the above signs would definitely be headline news.

See wiki for more details.

What to do in an earthquake

Source: CDC

Indoor: hide, cover, hold

Outdoor: stay away from buildings utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines

Near the shore:

If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake. Move inland 3 kilometers (2 miles) or to land that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level immediately. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.

See CDC’spage for more details.

Should you worry about earthquake while travelling in Taiwan?      

    

Not at all!!

• Magnitude 6.5+ earthquake doesn’t happen often
• Most of the buildings in Taiwan are earthquake proof (although nothing is guaranteed)
• Rescue workers and dogs are devoted to the scene 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to get you out of debris if you are trapped

Travel with the common sense of an earthquake and be observant. You will still have a lot of fun travelling in Taiwan even when experiencing an earthquake.

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