Premier Chang San-cheng has instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology to conduct a simulation of a serious earthquake. Chang called on the ministry to report back with results before March 21.
The premier’s instructions come after a ministry report to the Cabinet announcing that there is a chance an intense earthquake could strike Taiwan at some point in the coming 50 years.
The report said that there is no way to predict where and when the earthquake might strike with any precision. But the report named large stretches of Taiwan’s eastern and western coasts as potential centers of a major earthquake.
The Ministry of Science and Technology says that with proper precautions and preparation, there is no need for Taiwan residents to be excessively worried.
However, the premier has instructed the ministry to simulate earthquake warnings, disaster management, search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and reconstruction efforts. The results will be presented in a special meeting to be held in April or May.