1999 Taiwan Earthquake
Chi-Chi, Nantou, Taiwan — September 21, 1999
The 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake is the most destructive earthquake to strike Taiwan in the 20th century. A 100-km surface rupture on the Chelungpu Fault caused dramatic landscape changes. The disaster drove major advances in seismic instrumentation and understanding of fault rupture mechanics.
Earthquake Facts
Magnitude
M7.6
Date
Sep 21, 1999
Depth
33 km
Deaths
2,415
Latitude
23.772°
Longitude
120.982°
Tsunami
No
Region
Taiwan
Tectonic Cause
Thrust fault on the Chelungpu Fault within Taiwan's Central Range fold-and-thrust belt, formed by the oblique convergence of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian Plates.
Aftermath in Pictures
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — open licenses (CC / Public Domain)
Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under open licenses. Attribution required where specified. Click any image to enlarge.
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Sources & Further Reading
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