On September 21, 1999, Taiwan was struck by a catastrophic earthquake that has since become a defining moment in the island’s history. Known as the Chi-Chi earthquake, or the 921 earthquake, it measured 7.6 on the Richter scale and took the lives of over 2,400 individuals, leaving approximately 100,000 residents homeless. The tremor, occurring at 1:47 a.m. local time, was the second most deadly seismological event to impact Taiwan, leading to widespread devastation.
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The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Nantou County in central Taiwan, but the destruction rippled across the entire island. Buildings crumbled, infrastructure faltered, and families were left to grapple with the aftermath. According to news reports, roads buckled, bridges collapsed, and landslides wreaked further havoc, displacing countless residents. One survivor, reflecting on the traumatic event, stated, “I still think about the quake; to me, September 21 is my birthday because my brother and I were reborn on that day,” illustrating the profound personal impact the disaster had on many individuals.
Decades have passed since the tragedy, yet for people like Sun Chi-kuang, memories of the ordeal remain vivid. A decade later, he explained that he still felt the fear of aftershocks, recalling how he and his brother survived for six days under rubble, consuming spoiled food and stagnant water. His brother, Sun Chi-fong, emphasised the importance of embracing life as a tribute to those who assisted their recovery, viewing their survival as a fresh beginning.
The earthquake prompted significant changes within Taiwan’s government and how it approached disaster preparedness. Following an analysis of the disaster, researchers identified that much of the structural damage was attributable to human error and faulty design in construction. Dr Lin Thung-hong, a prominent sociologist at Academia Sinica, noted that the government’s inadequate response drew criticism from the public, leading to a political shift that saw the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rise to power in 2000.
In subsequent years, Taiwan implemented profound reforms in disaster management policies. Elaine Lin Kuan-hai, an academic at National Taiwan Normal University, highlighted that prior to the earthquake, the island lacked a concrete disaster reduction plan. Although seismic design codes were in place since the 1980s, the catastrophe spurred a significant enhancement in these regulations.
Taiwan’s geographical location within the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it prone to seismic activity, inevitably posing a challenge for urban planners and engineers. Kuan-hai stated, “We cannot make everything earthquake-proof, but we can make it more resilient and capable of withstanding earthquake shaking,” reflecting an ongoing commitment to improving public safety.
The essence of these reforms is visible in the government’s comprehensive review of building codes, ensuring that new constructions deploy advanced technologies that enhance resilience against earthquakes. Comparatively, a recent earthquake that struck the island in April 2024 was described by experts as significantly less devastating than the catastrophic events of 1999. Daniel Aldrich, a professor of political science and public policy, noted that the improvements in building practices and disaster preparedness between the two events created a marked difference in their impact.
As Taiwan continues to face the threat of seismic events, the lessons gleaned from the Chi-Chi earthquake remain ever relevant. The historic disaster not only served as a catalyst for improved safety standards, but it also forged a deeper camaraderie amongst residents, highlighting the enduring spirit and resilience of the Taiwanese people. As survivors remember that fateful day, they carry with them a blend of grief and gratitude, reaffirming their commitment to living each day fully in the face of uncertainty.