The earthquake hit Taiwan on 21st September 1999 and hence was given the name: “921 Taiwan Earthquake”.
In the early morning hours, the island of Taiwan was shaken awake by the powerful earthquake. Within a day, more than 1500 people were killed and 3800 injured as its strongest earthquake rocked Taiwan this century. Hardly a building was left untouched in the worst hit areas. Many high-rise flats full of sleeping residents crashed to the ground.
The earthquake occurred near the center of Taiwan, about 160km (100miles) away from the capital city, Taipei at 01:47am local time.
It was a shallow thrust earthquake, caused by the collision between the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates. |
