Last Updated on 2025 年 5 月 5 日 by 総合編集組
Staying Safe in Taiwan: Essential Earthquake Early Warning Tools and Preparedness Guide
Introduction: Taiwan’s Seismic Reality
Taiwan, a vibrant island nation renowned for its technology, culture, and stunning natural landscapes, sits astride one of the world’s most active tectonic zones: the Pacific Ring of Fire. Located at the complex junction of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, Taiwan experiences frequent seismic activity. While most tremors are minor and go unnoticed, the island is susceptible to moderate and large earthquakes that can pose significant risks.
The devastating 1999 Jiji earthquake (Chi-Chi earthquake) serves as a stark reminder of this geological reality. Understanding this context is crucial for residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the importance of preparedness rather than panic. While precise earthquake prediction – knowing exactly when and where an earthquake will strike – remains beyond current scientific capabilities globally, Taiwan has invested heavily in sophisticated Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems designed to provide crucial seconds of advance notice before strong shaking arrives.
Understanding Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) vs. Prediction
It’s vital to distinguish between earthquake prediction and early warning. Prediction implies forecasting an event before it happens, which is currently impossible. Early Warning, however, operates after an earthquake has begun near its source (hypocenter/epicenter). Earthquakes generate different types of seismic waves that travel outwards at varying speeds. The primary waves, or P-waves, travel fastest but are generally less destructive. The secondary waves, or S-waves, travel slower but carry more energy and cause the intense shaking responsible for most damage.
Taiwan’s EEW system leverages this speed difference. A dense network of seismometers placed across the island detects the initial P-waves near the epicenter. This data is rapidly transmitted to processing centers where algorithms instantly estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude, and the potential shaking intensity (震度, zhèndù) in different areas. If the estimated magnitude and intensity meet predefined thresholds (e.g., magnitude 4.5 or greater, and intensity level 3 or higher in any county/city), an alert is broadcasted. This alert travels at nearly the speed of light via radio waves, internet, and dedicated communication channels, reaching areas farther from the epicenter before the slower, damaging S-waves arrive.
The warning time provided by EEW systems depends heavily on the distance from the epicenter. Areas very close to the earthquake’s origin (within the “blind zone,” roughly 70km in Taiwan’s case) might receive the alert only after or simultaneously with the shaking. However, areas farther away can gain anywhere from a few seconds to several tens of seconds of warning. While seemingly brief, these precious seconds can be life-saving, allowing people to perform critical safety actions like “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” stop dangerous activities (like surgery or driving), or trigger automated safety measures in infrastructure and industrial facilities.
Magnitude vs. Intensity (震度 – Zhèndù)
Another important concept is the difference between magnitude and intensity. Magnitude (e.g., Richter scale, Moment Magnitude) measures the total energy released at the earthquake’s source. It’s a single value for the entire event. Intensity, however, describes the degree of shaking experienced at a specific location on the Earth’s surface.
It depends on factors like distance from the epicenter, local geology, building construction, and the earthquake’s depth and magnitude. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) uses an intensity scale ranging from 0 (unfelt) to 7 (violent shaking), which directly relates to the observed effects and potential damage. EEW alerts typically provide the estimated intensity for your specific location, which is often more relevant for immediate safety decisions than the overall magnitude.
Essential Earthquake Monitoring & Alert Tools for Taiwan
Leveraging Taiwan’s robust EEW infrastructure, several tools – software, apps, and online services – are available to help residents and visitors stay informed and receive timely alerts. Here are six key resources:
- Di Niu Wake Up! (地牛Wake Up!)
- Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Website:
https://eew.earthquake.tw - Description: This is a highly regarded desktop software application specifically designed for earthquake early warnings in Taiwan. It directly receives EEW data streams from the CWA. When an alert is issued, Di Niu Wake Up! displays a map showing the epicenter, provides estimated intensity for your pre-set location, and crucially, offers a countdown timer indicating the estimated arrival time of the S-waves, accompanied by clear voice alerts. Users can customize the alert threshold (e.g., receive warnings only for intensity 3 or higher), though alerts for intensity 4 and above are usually mandatory. It’s an excellent tool for those who spend significant time on their computers and might miss phone notifications. The development team also runs the “Taiwan Earthquake Monitor” YouTube channel.
- P-Alert Strong Motion Network (P波警報器強震網)
- Platform: Primarily a monitoring network; data accessible online.
- Website:
https://palert.earth.sinica.edu.tw/(Academia Sinica) - Description: Developed by Professor Wu Yi-Min at National Taiwan University in collaboration with Sanlien Technology and supported by Academia Sinica, P-Alert is a dense network of specialized seismometers (strong-motion sensors) installed across Taiwan, particularly in schools and institutions. These instruments focus on detecting P-waves for rapid “on-site warning” (providing alerts directly at the sensor location) and transmitting data back to a central hub for “regional warning” analysis. The network generates real-time seismic intensity maps (isoseismal maps) very quickly after an event. While end-users typically don’t interact directly with the raw P-Alert system daily, its data feeds into the broader warning ecosystem and provides invaluable ground truth information for research and refining warning algorithms.
- Real-Time Moment Tensor Monitoring System (RMT)
- Platform: Research monitoring system; real-time data available online.
- Website:
http://rmt.earth.sinica.edu.tw(Academia Sinica) - Description: Operated by the Institute of Earth Sciences at Academia Sinica, RMT utilizes data from the Broadband Array in Taiwan for Seismology (BATS). Its primary function is not EEW in the sense of providing pre-shaking alerts to the public, but rather rapid post-event source characterization. Using advanced computational techniques (moment tensor inversion), RMT automatically determines key source parameters – precise origin time, hypocenter location, depth, moment magnitude, and the faulting mechanism (how the earth ruptured) – typically within about two minutes of an earthquake occurring. This information is crucial for seismologists, emergency responders, and understanding the tectonic processes. The public can view the real-time monitoring results and parameter solutions on their website, often visualized as color-coded maps indicating simulated shaking intensity (MR values).
- Taiwan Earthquake Monitor (台灣地震監視)
- Platform: All platforms via YouTube Live Stream
- Channel Link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa32OtZqhDqDqCHeWO477qg/about - Description: Maintained by the developers of Di Niu Wake Up!, this YouTube channel provides a 24/7 live stream aggregating real-time seismic data from multiple sources, including the CWA, Di Niu Wake Up! itself, P-Alert data, RMT results, and even privately operated seismometers.
The interface displays maps, real-time seismograms (waveforms), intensity readings, and provides voice alerts and countdowns when significant events or EEW alerts occur. The chat often features automated postings of official CWA reports and warnings (earthquake, weather, etc.). It’s a passive way to keep an eye on seismic activity, useful for having on a secondary screen or playing in the background (it often includes background music during quiet periods).
- KNY Taiwan Weather & Earthquake Report (KNY台灣天氣.地震速報)
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Links: Google Play (Search App Store for iOS)
- Description: This is an extremely popular mobile app in Taiwan, combining comprehensive weather information with a unique earthquake alert feature. Its standout function is a proprietary countdown timerfor earthquake alerts, calculated using formulas based on EEW data, aiming to give users those crucial extra seconds.
Users can customize the intensity threshold for receiving alerts. Beyond earthquakes, KNY provides detailed local weather forecasts, radar imagery, air quality data (AQI), UV index, typhoon tracking, and official announcements like school/work closures. Its dual function makes it a very practical app for daily life in Taiwan. (Note: While the interface might primarily be in Chinese, its visual cues and countdown could still be useful for non-Chinese speakers).
- CWA E – Earthquake Report (中央氣象署 E – 地震測報)
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Link: CWA App Service Page (links to stores)
- Description: This is the official earthquake-focused app from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA). Its primary role is to deliver official CWA information reliably. Users receive push notifications for “Strong Motion Immediate Alerts” (EEW) based on customizable intensity thresholds and location settings.
It provides detailed “Significant Felt Earthquake Reports” soon after an event, including map of epicenter, magnitude, depth, and a list of measured intensities across Taiwan. Historical earthquake data is also accessible. While many third-party apps use CWA data, using the official app ensures direct access to authoritative information. (Note: Interface likely primarily in Chinese).
Essential Earthquake Safety Actions (Drop, Cover, Hold On)
Knowing an earthquake is imminent thanks to an EEW alert is only useful if you know how to react. The internationally recognized standard procedure during strong shaking is:
- DROP: Drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked down and allows you to move if necessary.
- COVER: Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows).
- HOLD ON: If you are under shelter, hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you don’t have shelter, continue protecting your head and neck with both arms and hands.
Post-Earthquake Safety Considerations in Taiwan
After the shaking stops:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if trained.
- Check Utilities: Check for gas leaks (by smell, do not use matches or lighters), electrical damage, and water line breaks. If you suspect damage, turn off the main valves/switches.
- Be Cautious: Expect aftershocks. These smaller earthquakes can occur minutes, days, or even weeks after the main quake and can cause further damage to weakened structures.
- Stay Informed: Tune in to local news via radio (battery-powered recommended) or official mobile alerts for emergency information and instructions. Follow directions from emergency personnel.
- Avoid Hazards: Stay clear of damaged buildings, power lines, and steep slopes prone to landslides, especially after heavy rains which often accompany seismic events in Taiwan’s mountainous terrain. Avoid coastal areas if there is a tsunami risk (alerts will be issued).
- Communicate Wisely: Use text messages or social media for brief communication; keep phone lines clear for emergency calls.
Conclusion: Preparedness is Key
Living with earthquakes is a part of life in Taiwan. While the prospect can be unnerving, advancements in Earthquake Early Warning systems, coupled with readily available monitoring tools and a strong culture of preparedness, significantly mitigate the risks.
By understanding how EEW works, utilizing the available apps and services, knowing the vital “Drop, Cover, Hold On” procedure, and having a basic emergency plan and kit, residents and visitors can face Taiwan’s seismic activity with confidence and resilience. Familiarize yourself with these tools and safety measures before an earthquake strikes – preparedness is the most effective defense.
