Earthquake Early Warning Systems in Taiwan: Current Status

Abstract

The earthquake early warning (EEW) system in Taiwan is the outcome of rigorous research work carried out at various levels after the occurrence of the 1986 Hualien earthquake that caused destruction. After more than 25 years of development, three different EEW systems exist in Taiwan. Currently, the nation wide regional EEW system is operated by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), whereas, a hybrid (regional & onsite) system based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical System sensors is run by National Taiwan University (NTU). The third EEW (onsite system) is run by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE). Both CWB and NTU systems are capable of reporting the EEW warnings within 20 seconds of earthquake occurrence. The CWB system is incharge of providing earthquake alerts in Taiwan via text message through mobile phone, TV, and directly broadcasting system to schools and is providing earthquake alarms to the general public since 2016. During recently damaging earthquakes in Taiwan, the NTU system provided 2-8 seconds onsite warning (lead time) in the blind zone around the epicenter. The NTU system also can generate near real-time shake maps for rapid response purposes. The NCREE system consists of about 98 stations and can provide several seconds lead time in the area near the epicenter. The NCREE system also can receive CWB regional EEW messages for warning the regions away from the epicenter. Individually every system has its advantage, however, the hybrid approach will be one of the future systems for real operation.