Early Earthquake Warning System in Taiwan: Is It Effective?

Taiwan, positioned at the junction of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, is one of the world's most seismically active locations. The frequency and intensity of earthquakes in the region have prompted the Taiwanese government to spend substantially on earthquake preparedness, with the Early Earthquake Warning System (EEWS) serving as one of the main solutions.

This device is designed to detect seismic waves and provide key seconds of warning before the heaviest shaking occurs. However, to what extent does this approach actually lessen the effects of earthquakes?

How does the EEWS work?

Taiwan's EEWS makes use of a network of over 600 seismic monitoring stations strategically located around the country. These stations detect primary waves (P-waves), which are the first waves produced during an earthquake and usually inflict minimal damage.

Once detected, the algorithm estimates the earthquake's size and epicenter, as well as when and where the stronger Secondary waves (S-waves), which cause the most damage, would strike. Alerts are then distributed via mobile devices, televisions, radios, and other public alerting systems, giving residents a few seconds to a minute to seek refuge.