The three national newspapers, The Wall Street Journal, NewYork Times, and Washington Post I read daily had similar stories yesterday: Taiwan’s experiences with earthquakes over its history improved their knowledge of handling the risks and effects of events like the 7.4 tremor earlier this week. These were some of the more gratifying stories one could read.
I am underwhelmed by Taiwan’s attitude in preparing for a mainland attack as long-time readers know. I suspect most residents either don’t genuinely fear the PLA (certainly a plausible position although not one U.S. officials can understand) or they figure we will be there to save them should that attack occur so why dramatically increase sustained readiness? That latter portion is expensive and, as I heard in Taipei around 2000, spending on defense would decrease their standard of living.
In the end, prioritizing against the PLA is simply not as high on their list as I might expect for an existential challenge.
However, Taiwan has admirably and decisively prepared for earthquakes, ever improving their readiness and response. The teams out and about to Hualien, the eastern city nearest the epicenter, were instantly ready to respond to people trapped in buildings at strange angles. The beautiful national park system also suffered tremendous damage from rockslides but the reports of rescues were heartwarming validation of a national commitment to finding people with deliberate efforts.
None of this is accidental. Building standards are high. Government monitoring of those standards is high. Constant reattacking probable scenarios is an ongoing effort as Taiwanese understand the ‘Ring of Fire’ location translates into when rather than if. The next major event will occur. This week’s temblor was the worst in a quarter century but hardly the only one.
Earthquake assistance, falling into the category of Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) which is an instrument of power where Taiwan is a global leader. Geography presents the small island not only the Ring of Fire, although not volcanoes, but massive typhoons whirling out of the western Pacific. My husband and I were in Taiwan one year when both occurred—we could not leave our hotel amidst the typhoon so we definitely felt the earthquake that also occurred in Taibei. I learned in interviews I was conducting on the trip how often Taiwan offers vital HADR assistance to places like island nations, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and other places around the globe. Taiwan’s engineers and health workers are sought out for their aid which the island’s leaders readily share.
In short, prioritizing earthquake lessons has made a distinct difference this politically isolated island of 24 million. Perhaps they fear that no one else will come help them but it strikes me as more readily capitalizing on their learning to advance preventative steps for their future. It makes me wonder why other lessons don’t create similar benefits for Taiwan and for other societies.
I am away from home today so you will be spared a sunrise over the beloved Spa Creek. The network I am using isn’t letting me post pictures at all but I assure you the daffodils are in full bloom in Delaware, a spectacular sight. Oh, and the sun does shine. I hope so for you as well. And no, we did not feel the earthquake in the Mid-Atlantic yesterday although our daughter most definitely did in her 24th floor office.
Thank you for reading this ACC. I also appreciate the extremely thoughtful comments I have received this week on Israel and other columns. You are teaching me so much. Please feel free to circulate this column. Someone asked one day this week if we could make other arrangements to subscribe to ACC as she prefers not using credit cards. We can certainly find ways if you are willing to invest in a subscription. Thank those who do!
Be well and be safe. FIN