Hualien quake triggers requests for building assessments

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Land Management Agency (NLMA) announced Monday (April 8) that it has received 848 requests for disaster assessment following the powerful earthquake in Hualien.

Of these, 42 have been confirmed as under red notice, including 32 in Hualien, two in Taipei, four in Taoyuan, and four in New Taipei, while an additional 70 are under yellow notice.

A yellow notice indicates damage to non-structural elements of a building, such as interior partitions or ceilings, or a neighboring building tilting to a dangerous degree. However, a red notice is much more severe. It signifies damage to the main structure of a building, including columns, beams, exterior walls, floors, foundation hollowing, or a building tilting to a dangerous degree.

The NLMA announced that around 693 buildings are exempt from needing to post danger signs, though ongoing assessments are ongoing.

The agency also offers subsidies for assessments of building structural safety. Buildings with a total floor area of less than 3,000 square meters are eligible for a subsidy of NT$12,000, and those over 3,000 square meters can receive NT$15,000. Detailed evaluations can receive up to NT$400,000 or 30%.

The NLMA urges residents to inspect their homes for apparent cracks, crushed or peeled concrete, or exposed rebar. If any of these conditions are present, they should report them immediately for on-site inspection and evaluation by professional civil and structural engineers or architects.

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