Taiwan earthquakes

Earthquake Alerts: When Taiwan Trembles, Who's Got Your Back?

Did you know over 60% of homes in Taiwan are sans earthquake insurance? Let's dive into the tremors and the lessons learned!

On January 20, a powerful M6.4 earthquake rocked southern Taiwan, leaving at least 44 people injured. The quake struck just after midnight, damaging numerous buildings and sending residents into a panic. Images and videos started surfacing on social media, capturing the chaotic aftermath of the tremor. Bouncing back from a powerful earthquake is no easy task, and Taiwan's emergency services were swiftly on the scene, helping victims and assessing the severity of the damage.

Just when folks thought the ground had settled, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake rumbled off the coast of Taitung County later that day, reminding everyone that Taiwan is nestled in one of the most seismically active regions on the planet. While this latest shake-up left less damage compared to its larger counterpart, the series of quakes has undoubtedly put residents in a state of alert as they risk unexpected aftershocks.

However, a staggering survey revealed that more than 60% of homes in Taiwan are lacking earthquake insurance. With many residential properties being older in urban regions, the need for coverage has never been greater. Given the recent tremors, it has become increasingly clear that protecting oneself from natural disasters is crucial. The lack of planning could mean long-term financial consequences during a disaster.

Speaking of disasters, TSMC, the semiconductor giant, announced that all of its operations in Taiwan continued seamlessly following the M6.4 earthquake. This fact demonstrates the strength of Taiwan's infrastructure, which is further underscored by the resilience of its companies. While quakes may rattle buildings, the backbone of industry remains strong – for now!

Did you know that Taiwan experiences thousands of small earthquakes every year, but only a handful are strong enough to cause notable damage? Also, since 2010, the country has invested heavily into earthquake preparedness initiatives, including stricter building codes and public awareness campaigns aimed at securing homes against mother nature's crazy party tricks. So, while the ground trembles, Taiwan's spirit remains unshaken!