Context
Taiwan recently experienced its most powerful earthquake in 25 years, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was located near Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, which is known for its susceptibility to earthquakes as it is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where most of the earthquakes in the world happen in a certain area.
Details
On April 4, 2024, Taiwan experienced its most significant earthquake in 25 years, a seismic event that has brought the island nation’s preparedness and resilience into sharp focus. The earthquake serves as a clear indication of the unpredictable characteristics of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is where Taiwan is situated.
The Earthquake’s Impact
- Earthquake ramifications resulted in building damages in Hualien and only slight losses in Taipei.
- The slight inconvenience caused to the riders was induced only if the earthquake occurred during the morning rush hour thus influencing daily commute.
- This earthquake was measured with magnitude of 7.4 with an epicentre which was near Hualien County and was followed by many aftershocks.
- The earthquake caused nine dead, more than a thousand injured and machinery desolation to buildings and infrastructure.
Understanding the Ring of Fire
- Geological Hotspot: The Ring of Fire is a belt of volcanoes and earthquake sites that spreads along the Pacific Ocean, which is most known for frequent earthquakes and volcano eruptions.
- Tectonic Activity: As the convergence of varying tectonic plates, the Eurasian, North American, and Philippine Sea plays a significant role.
- Why Taiwan is Vulnerable: Taiwan’s position at the intersection of the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate makes it a unique zone in terms of vulnerability to powerful quakes.
Taiwan’s Earthquake Preparedness
- Building Resilience: Building standards of Taiwan satisfy the earthquake-caused constructions, which is a key safety feature worthy of consideration for damage controls.
- Public Awareness: Routine earthquake drills combined with awareness and public education campaigns are aimed at the population ensuring that they are well informed about the importance of timely actions to provide safety during such events.
Global Context
- Geopolitical Significance: Taiwan’s place in the Pacific oceanic section that is the Ring of Fire where there are most earthquakes is not only the reason for its high susceptibility to seismic tremors but also the reason for its beneficial geopolitical position which makes it a centre of regional tension and instability.
- Scientific and Research Implications: This earthquake provides seismologists with data from seismic waves for their assessment around the globe. This data is essential for the development of models concerning tectonic activities and future earthquake prediction methods.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Through the international community, nations and communities are always coming together to provide aid and support on disaster aftermath occasions, at the heart of global efforts of humanitarian support.
- Economic Impact: Taiwan manufactures various electronics of the world, especially smartphones; therefore, seismic activity can cause supply disruption at the time of implementation of the worldwide supply chain, reflecting the interconnection of the global economy.
- Climate Resilience: More severe and widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions, along with the possible increase because of climate change, show the necessity for coordinated work to strengthen climate resilience worldwide.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response: The elaborate earthquake preparedness and response systems of Taiwan which operate as a role model for other countries in the same seismic region are a key factor for Taiwan’s disaster resilience.
Conclusion
The recent earthquake in Taiwan demonstrates the island’s ability to bounce back and be ready for such events. It also emphasises the importance of consistently improving disaster response plans and the need for global unity in dealing with natural disasters.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q.Analyse the impacts of the recent earthquake in Taiwan on the country’s infrastructure, economy, and society. Discuss potential strategies for enhancing earthquake preparedness and resilience in Taiwan’s infrastructure and society.
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