Building collapse and human deaths resulting from the Chi-Chi Earthquake in Taiwan, September 1999.
In this study, the authors attempted to determine factors associated with earthquake deaths in the great Chi-Chi Earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999, in Taiwan. An isoseismal map was used to identify life-threatening hazards. The vertical peak ground acceleration of ground motion intensity was deemed the most appropriate index for the evaluation of building collapse and mortality. Mortality increased with the increase in earthquake intensity, and building collapse, approaching the epicenter. The greatest number of collapsed buildings and human deaths occurred between the Chelungpu Fault and the Shuantun Fault. Individuals 65 yr of age and older were the most vulnerable to the impact. The authors' findings suggest that improvements in earthquake-resistant building design and construction, as well as improved medical rescue for the elderly, could reduce the level of exposure to earthquake hazards.
Liao
Yen-Hsiung
YH
School of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China. M765025@kmu.edu.tw
Hwang
Long-Chih
LC
Chang
Chih-Ching
CC
Hong
Yu-Jue
YJ
Lee
I-Nong
IN
Huang
Jen-Hsuan
JH
Lin
Shu-Fang
SF
Shen
Maurice
M
Lin
Chia-Hong
CH
Gau
Yung-Yen
YY
Yang
Chin-Tzo
CT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013624:Taiwan