On September 18, 2022, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Taiwan. The epicenter was located near the city of Hualien, on the east coast of the island. The earthquake caused widespread damage and power outages, and at least one person was killed.

This is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in over 100 years. In 1918, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Tainan, on the southwest coast of the island, killing over 1,200 people.

Taiwan is located on the boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This is a seismically active area, and the island is frequentemente impacted by earthquakes.

What may happen next

Aftershocks are likely to continue for several days or even weeks. These aftershocks can be damaging, and may cause further damage to buildings that were already damaged by the main earthquake.

Landslides are also a concern, especially in mountainous areas. Landslides can block roads and make it difficult for emergency responders to access affected areas.

The earthquake may also disrupt water and power supplies, and some areas may be without these essential services for days or even weeks.

What people can do to prepare

There are a number of things that people can do to prepare for earthquakes:

* Ensure that your home is properly secured and that furniture is bolted down.

* Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.

* Have a battery-operated radio and flashlight on hand.

* Learn how to turn off water and gas utilities in case of an earthquake.

* Practice drop, cover, and hold on drills.

* Know where to evacuate to in case of an earthquake.

By following these simple steps, you can help to mitigate the risks associated with earthquakes.