TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A powerful earthquake and extreme rainfall hit Hualien on April 3, causing severe damage to the region's infrastructure and frequent flooding in urban areas. Experts believe these natural disasters highlight weaknesses in Taiwan's infrastructure and response mechanisms.
Two months later, Keelung faced a significant landslide at the entrance of Chaojing Park (潮境公園) on Beining Road (北寧路). Tsai Chih-ying (蔡志盈), Keelung section chief of the Highway Bureau (公路局), attributed the collapse to accumulated rainfall of 54 millimeters and multiple felt earthquakes prior to the landslide. The Highway Bureau has since increased monitoring, using automated theodolites and inclinometers to detect ground movement.
Chuang Chun-wei (莊均緯), director of the Taipei Professional Civil Engineers Association (台北市土木技師公會), stressed that natural disasters do not equal loss of life and property; rather, it is the vulnerable infrastructure that poses the greatest risk. He emphasized the need for disaster awareness and institutionalized safety practices among residents.
Kristoffer B. Berse, associate professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, echoed this sentiment at an international forum, stating, "Earthquakes don't really kill, buildings do."
Senior Technical Specialist Chen Meng-shih (陳孟詩) from the Central Weather Administration (CWA, 氣象署) noted that Typhoon Gaemi's heavy rainfall exceeded sewer design thresholds, increasing flood risks. The typhoon severely impacted Hualien's transportation and urban drainage systems, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure and response strategies.
Kung Hsiang-sheng (拱祥生), a member of the Taipei Professional Civil Engineers Association, called for cross-domain integration of seismic design standards for buildings, roads, and railways. He noted that extreme weather events have increased in scale and frequency, surpassing government capacity.
Reflecting on the events of 2024, the urgency for improved earthquake response and recovery measures has never been more apparent. Experts urge the government to strengthen disaster preparedness campaigns and enhance public awareness.