A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience

Context:

Recent earthquakes in Taiwan highlight the importance of earthquake preparedness and building resilience in tectonically active regions, offering valuable lessons for earthquake-prone countries like India.

Understanding Earthquake Occurrence and Impact

• Occurrence: Earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries due to the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
• Earthquake prone area: The Himalayan region, formed by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates, is prone to powerful earthquakes.
• Different impacts: Variations in seismic activity and building resilience contribute to differences in earthquake impact, as seen in recent earthquakes in Taiwan and India.

Taiwan's Response and Preparedness

• Building codes and reforms: Taiwan has experienced significant earthquakes and has implemented stringent building codes and disaster management reforms.
• Advanced methods: Advanced earthquake monitoring networks, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns contribute to Taiwan's earthquake preparedness.
• Innovative technologies like seismic dampers and base isolation systems enhance building resilience, as exemplified by Taipei 101's tuned mass damper.

Lessons for India and Recommendations

• Need to prioritize safety: India, undergoing infrastructural expansion in earthquake-prone regions like the Himalayas, must prioritize seismic safety.
• Compliance with seismic codes, construction of engineered structures, and enforcement of seismic regulations are essential for mitigating earthquake risks.
• Utilizing regional seismic codes tailored to local earthquake activity and promoting earthquake-resistant architectural styles can enhance building resilience in India.