TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — A powerful earthquake rocked Hualien on April 3, temporarily disrupting the Taiwan High Speed Rail. Service was halted due to power loss but resumed fully by 1 p.m., thanks to the rapid response from the operations control center, the rail's operational hub.
This event marked the largest quake affecting the rail since its inception, measured by the number of train sets involved. The quake triggered alarms at the control center, prompting immediate action from the staff. The chief controller broadcasted an urgent message: "Attention all levels, earthquake warning detectors have been activated between Nangang and Tainan stations."
Felt throughout Taiwan, the quake led to significant disruptions. The swaying of overhead lines caused power outages between Nangang and Tainan, reducing service capacity from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yan Tsan-feng, the central control section manager, underscored the emergency: "With 21 train sets halted and widespread power outages within that section, our immediate priority was restoring electricity to enable train inspections," he said.
Passengers were aboard the trains when alarms sounded. The control center swiftly assessed and confirmed schedules based on the alarm severity, conducting inspections before gradually resuming normal operations.
Comprising nine units, the control center oversees operations, coordinating with train drivers, conductors, and station staff. An emergency response center is established as needed. Classified as a major event, the quake triggered a level three alarm, leading to an immediate halt for ground inspections. The rail system is designed to endure earthquakes between magnitudes 6 and 7.
Manager Yan highlighted safety protocols: "We prioritize sections based on the detected alarm level. If it reaches level three, or if the gal number within level three exceeds 180, that section becomes our focus."
Safety remains a paramount concern, with the central control room manned around the clock to ensure timely communication of any disaster-related updates.