Building collapse and human deaths resulting from the Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan, September 1999

Yen Fisiung Liao; Long Chih Hwang; Chih Ching Chang; Yu Jue Hong; I. Nong Lee; Jen Hsuan Huang; Shu Fang Lin; Maurice Shen; Chia Hong Lin; Yung Yen Gau; Chin Tzo Yang

doi:10.3200/AEOH.58.9.572-578

Building collapse and human deaths resulting from the Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan, September 1999

Yen Fisiung Liao, Long Chih Hwang, Chih Ching Chang, Yu Jue Hong, I. Nong Lee, Jen Hsuan Huang, Shu Fang Lin, Maurice Shen, Chia Hong Lin, Yung Yen Gau, Chin Tzo Yang

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	572-578
Number of pages	7
Journal	Archives of Environmental Health
Volume	58
Issue number	9
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3200/AEOH.58.9.572-578
Publication status	Published - 2003 Sept

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Science(all)
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.3200/AEOH.58.9.572-578

Cite this

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title = "Building collapse and human deaths resulting from the Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan, September 1999",

abstract = "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.",

author = "Liao, {Yen Fisiung} and Hwang, {Long Chih} and Chang, {Chih Ching} and Hong, {Yu Jue} and Lee, {I. Nong} and Huang, {Jen Hsuan} and Lin, {Shu Fang} and Maurice Shen and Lin, {Chia Hong} and Gau, {Yung Yen} and Yang, {Chin Tzo}",

note = "Funding Information: This work was supported, in part, by fund DOH-TD-1218 from the Department of Health, Taiwan, Republic of China. Submitted for publication September 2, 2002; accepted for publication April 23, 2003. Requests for reprints should be sent to Yen-Hsiung Liao, School of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China. E-mail: M765025@kmu.edu.tw",

year = "2003",

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AU - Liao, Yen Fisiung

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AU - Hong, Yu Jue

AU - Lee, I. Nong

AU - Huang, Jen Hsuan

AU - Lin, Shu Fang

AU - Shen, Maurice

AU - Lin, Chia Hong

AU - Gau, Yung Yen

AU - Yang, Chin Tzo

N1 - Funding Information: This work was supported, in part, by fund DOH-TD-1218 from the Department of Health, Taiwan, Republic of China. Submitted for publication September 2, 2002; accepted for publication April 23, 2003. Requests for reprints should be sent to Yen-Hsiung Liao, School of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China. E-mail: M765025@kmu.edu.tw

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Building collapse and human deaths resulting from the Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan, September 1999

Abstract

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