SISHK NEWS BY ALEX LIM 2024
THE 1999 JIJI EARTHQUAKE
Overview, Impact, Management strategies
Jiji,,Taiwan
Jiji is town in Nantou County, Taiwan, which is about 3.5 square kilometer in size, with a
population of 8,000 people (as of 2023). Because of the backed historical importance and
scenic landscapes Jiji rose to prominence, especially during the event of the earthquake
within the year 1999 whereby the Jiji people suffered vastly.
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1999 Jiji earthquake
The Jiji earthquake of 1999 was a devastating natural disaster that resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 2,400 lives . with over
11,000 reported injuries and considerable damage to infrastructure. At precisely 1:47 am on September 21, 1999, a powerful
earthquake struck near Jiji township, in Nantou County, Taiwan. This seismic event recorded an impressive magnitude of 7.7,
with a focus depth of roughly 8 km. Its epicenter was located in central Taiwan, near the active boundary between the
Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
The occurrence of the Jiji earthquake was caused by the tectonic interactions between these two plates. Taiwan's geographical
location on the Pacific Ring of Fire (a region where tectonic plates converge) significantly contributes to considerable seismic
activity and stress accumulation along fault lines. The earthquake directly impacted the Chelungpu Fault, where the
accumulated stress was suddenly released resulting in the quake. This abrupt discharge of accumulated strain generated
powerful seismic waves that caused widespread devastation throughout the region; affecting communities and drastically
reshaping the landscape of Jiji and its neighboring areas.
Impacts associated
Human Casualties and Displacement: The earthquake resulted in approximately 2,400 deaths and injured around 10,000 others.
Thousands of houses collapsed, leaving over 100,000 individuals homeless. Many families lived in temporary shelters, coping with the
loss of loved ones and the trauma of displacement, which led to long-term emotional distress.
Structural Damage: The 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused extensive infrastructure damage, with about 10,000 buildings irreparably
damaged and 7,500 partially damaged. The destruction of schools and hospitals disrupted education and healthcare services, severely
hindering the community's recovery.
Economic Consequences: The economic impact was significant, with damages estimated at around $10 billion USD. Key industries such
as tourism and agriculture were heavily affected, resulting in business closures and job losses. The prolonged recovery process
mpacted livelihoods, and local economies struggled to survive, creating challenges for families working to rebuild their lives.
1. Management Strategies for Earthquake Preparedness in Taiwan
The building codes and regulations
Buildings codes and regulations in Taiwan show the nation's concerns about preparedness for earthquakes,
especially after the disastrous Jiji earthquake of 1999. These comprehensive codes demand that all new
constructions follow seismic design standards capable of resisting up to magnitude 7.0 earthquakes. Other key
provisions include the use of reinforced concrete and steel with strict foundation design guidelines to ensure
stability. Regulations also provide that even non-structural elements should be accordingly secured, as would be
the case with ceiling tiles and light fixtures, to avoid hazards. On the other hand, periodic building inspection and
compliance checking assure that the existing buildings also meet the standards that have been updated. In addition
to these, retrofit programs enhance the staying power of old buildings. Safety is significantly enhanced by these
measures, resulting in a notable reduction in injuries, fatalities, and structural damage during earthquakes. For
example, stringent building codes in Taipei ensure that high-rise buildings can withstand severe seismic activity,
while retrofitting programs for older schools and hospitals in Tainan strengthen their safety. This comprehensive
approach effectively prepares the nation for potential earthquakes, safeguarding lives and property. The strength
of this strategy to prepare for future earthquakes are by making buildings that can withstand earthquakes makes
it safer hence saves lives, but reduces economic and environmental consequences of this disaster. The downside of
implementing building codes and regulations for earthquakes is the associated costs and time required for
compliance and construction.Adhering to these codes often necessitates higher construction costs due to the use of
higher quality materials and engineering techniques. this can be a significant challenge for developers and
homeowners alike.Additionally the process of retrofitting older buildings to meet updated standards can be time
consuming leading to prolonged construction periods that may disrupt communities and bussiness
2. Public Education and Emergency Drills
Public education about earthquakes also forms a cornerstone of preparedness. The Taiwan government, along with
many local organizations, conducts public awareness campaigns and drills that educate residents on preparedness
and safety measures. Such events will include workshops and community outreach programs to highlight the key
procedures, such as "Drop, Cover and Hold On." Consequently, it is through these regular drills that, in 2022 alone,
more than 1,500 drills were successfully conducted and millions of people were involved in such training; hence,
panic injuries during actual earthquakes decreased amazingly by 30%. This proactive approach is followed through
the path of availability of resources in several languages in order to enhance access for all residents. Furthermore,
earthquake preparedness is deeply embedded in school programs and contributes to a continued culture of safety
and resilience within communities. But the even tougher challenge is how to keep the public aware and involved in
these lifesaving safety behaviors. Public education about earthquakes can help spread awareness about the risks
associated as well as the importance of preparedness, which will make individuals to take proactive steps for their
own safety. It can also help instill safety habits for children from a young age. Emergency drills can also give
students preparedness as they will obtain the skills and knowledge needed during an emergency. Regular emergency
drills can also help make people more familiar with safety protocols and evacuation routes, making them act quickly
and confidently in a real situation . The limitation of emergency drills are that the drills may not fully replicate
the chaos and stress of a real emergency, potentially leaving participants unprepared for the actual experience.
as well as organizing effective drills requires time, personnel, and funding, which may be limited, leading to less
frequent or inadequate training. The limitation of public education is the resource Limitations as effective public
education requires adequate funding and resources, which may not always be available, resulting in less
comprehensive or impactful programs.
