Taipei: A City Familiar with Earthquakes
Growing up in Asia’s “Ring of Fire,” Filipinos are accustomed to earthquakes. However, nothing could have prepared me, and the estimated 159,000 Filipinos living in Taipei, for the earthquake that would go down in history. If this earthquake had occurred in another country, it would likely have resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths.
The earthquake, which struck on the morning of July 4th, 2022, measured a staggering 7.2 on the Richter scale. It originated from the depths of the Philippine Sea, approximately 50 kilometers off the eastern coast of Taiwan. The tremors were felt not only in Taipei but also in neighboring cities and even as far as Hong Kong and Manila. The sheer force of the quake was enough to rattle buildings, crack roads, and send people into a state of panic.
Fortunately, Taipei is a city that has long been familiar with earthquakes. Due to its geographical location, Taiwan experiences frequent seismic activity. As a result, the city has implemented strict building codes and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters. The high-rise buildings that dominate Taipei’s skyline are designed to withstand strong earthquakes, with reinforced structures and flexible foundations that can absorb and dissipate the energy of seismic waves.
Furthermore, the Taiwanese government has invested heavily in earthquake research and early warning systems. The Central Weather Bureau operates a network of seismometers across the country, constantly monitoring seismic activity. When an earthquake is detected, the bureau can issue warnings to the public, giving people valuable seconds or even minutes to take cover or evacuate. This early warning system has proven to be incredibly effective in minimizing casualties and damage during earthquakes.
Despite these precautions, the 2022 earthquake still caused significant disruption in Taipei. The city’s transportation system came to a halt as subway lines were temporarily shut down for safety inspections. Many buildings suffered structural damage, and numerous residents were displaced from their homes. However, thanks to the city’s preparedness and the resilience of its people, the aftermath of the earthquake was met with determination and a swift recovery effort.
Within days, teams of engineers and construction workers were deployed to assess and repair damaged buildings. The government provided temporary shelters for those who had lost their homes, while volunteers and non-profit organizations mobilized to distribute aid and support affected communities. The spirit of unity and resilience that emerged in the wake of the earthquake was a testament to the strength of Taipei’s residents and their ability to come together in times of crisis.
As I reflect on that fateful day, I am grateful to be living in a city like Taipei, where earthquakes are not merely seen as a threat but as a call to action. The experience has reinforced the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters. Taipei’s ability to weather such a devastating earthquake serves as an inspiration to other cities around the world, reminding us that with the right measures in place, we can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
The newsroom was in chaos. As the shaking subsided, reporters and producers scrambled to assess the damage and ensure everyone’s safety. The plastic dividers that were meant to protect us from COVID-19 now lay on the floor, shattered into pieces. The once organized desks were now in disarray, with papers and equipment scattered everywhere. It was a surreal scene, as if a tornado had ripped through the room, leaving destruction in its wake.
Amidst the chaos, I took a moment to collect myself. The adrenaline was still coursing through my veins, but I knew I had a job to do. I quickly checked my equipment to make sure it was still functioning, and thankfully, it seemed to be unharmed. Taking a deep breath, I approached the camera and began to address our viewers.
“Good morning, everyone. As you may have noticed, we just experienced a significant earthquake here in the studio. We want to assure you that everyone is safe, and we are doing our best to gather information about the situation.”
My voice was steady, but my heart was pounding. I knew that people would be looking to us for updates and guidance, and I had to strike a balance between providing accurate information and avoiding unnecessary panic.
As I continued to report, aftershocks continued to rattle the building. Each one served as a reminder of the power of nature and the unpredictability of life. But amidst the uncertainty, our team remained focused and determined to deliver the news. We reached out to experts, gathered eyewitness accounts, and provided real-time updates to keep our viewers informed.
Outside the studio, the city was in a state of confusion. People poured out onto the streets, some in a panic, others trying to assess the damage to their homes and businesses. Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls, and the sound of sirens filled the air. It was a stark reminder of the importance of community and coming together in times of crisis.
As the hours passed, the initial shock began to subside, and a sense of resilience emerged. People started to help each other, offering shelter to those whose homes were damaged, and checking on their neighbors. The city came together, united by a shared experience and a determination to rebuild.
For me, that day will always be etched in my memory. It was a day when I witnessed the raw power of nature and the strength of the human spirit. It was a day when I saw firsthand the importance of journalism and the responsibility we have to keep people informed. And it was a day that reminded me of the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment.
The Aftermath: Surprising Resilience
When I left the studio, I witnessed toppled shelves, broken glass, and displaced office furniture—typical signs of a strong series of quakes that have come and gone. However, the biggest surprise came when I saw how casually my friends and colleagues dismissed what would later be known in overseas media as “the strongest quake Taiwan had experienced in 25 years.”
My friends complained about the lack of official evacuation orders, hoping to be free to go home. They grumbled about having to walk up 19 flights of stairs to the office. None of them were traumatized or scared. If anything, as one British friend pointed out, most Taiwanese simply paused briefly before continuing their commutes just seconds after the first quake hit.
Despite the images of broken tiles and glass shown on television channels later, most of Taipei appeared surprisingly normal during my journey home. There was no drama, no billboards on the ground, no fallen trees, and no broken construction beams or equipment. It was as if nothing had happened. Of course, I later discovered that the city of Hualien was not as fortunate, but even there, it seemed that the affected buildings had crumpled in a specific way. A friend explained that this crumpling was part of the island’s earthquake-resistant design.
It has become somewhat of a running joke that some people in Taiwan have “go bags” at home. These bags are filled with emergency items such as cash, travel documents, food, water, and clothing. They allow people to quickly flee their homes in case of any emergency, whether it be a typhoon, earthquake, invasion by a hostile neighbor, or even an unexpected volcanic eruption.
However, these go bags are more than just a facade. They represent a people who have learned to prepare for every possible threat and who are willing to face and conquer whatever challenges come their way with pragmatism and stoicism. Their preparedness and resilience deserve admiration and should serve as an example for others to follow.
(The author anchors morning news for International Community Radio Taipei)
As I continued my journey home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people. This earthquake was just another reminder of their ability to bounce back from adversity. It was not the first time they had faced a natural disaster, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Yet, they seemed unfazed by the chaos and destruction that had unfolded around them.
It was clear that this resilience was deeply ingrained in their culture. From a young age, Taiwanese children are taught the importance of preparedness and self-sufficiency. They are educated on the potential risks and dangers that their island nation faces and are taught how to respond in times of crisis. This early exposure to emergency preparedness creates a sense of calm and confidence in the face of adversity.
But it wasn’t just their education that contributed to their resilience. The Taiwanese government has also played a significant role in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Strict building codes and regulations have been put in place to ensure that structures are able to withstand the powerful earthquakes that often shake the island. Additionally, regular drills and exercises are conducted to test the emergency response capabilities of both individuals and communities.
As I reached my neighborhood, I noticed that the streets were bustling with activity. People were going about their daily lives, seemingly unaffected by the earthquake. It was a testament to their ability to adapt and carry on in the face of adversity. The resilience of the Taiwanese people was truly remarkable.
As I entered my apartment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the safety and security that I enjoyed. I knew that not everyone was as fortunate. In Hualien, the city that bore the brunt of the earthquake, the damage was extensive and lives had been lost. It was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature.
But amidst the devastation, there was also hope. The Taiwanese people had come together to support one another, offering assistance and comfort to those in need. The spirit of resilience and community was evident in every interaction. It was a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is strength in unity.
As I settled into bed that night, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of admiration for the Taiwanese people. Their ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity was truly inspiring. It was a reminder that no matter what challenges we may face, we have the power to overcome them. The resilience of the Taiwanese people serves as a powerful example for us all.
Source: The Manila Times
