TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook Chiayi's Dapu Township (大埔鄉) on Tuesday (Jan. 21), causing damage in Tainan, southern Taiwan. The Taiwan Residential Earthquake Insurance Fund (住宅地震保險基金) reported that over 60% of homes remain uninsured, as the residential earthquake insurance coverage rate stood at only 38.89% by the end of 2024.
The fund urged residents to insure their homes to mitigate disaster losses, emphasizing Taiwan's location in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. They advised policyholders who had suffered significant damage to contact their insurance company for assistance. Since April 1, 2002, residential fire insurance has included basic earthquake coverage, and the fund recommends selecting the renewal agreement clause.
To aid residents, the fund offers the "Post-Earthquake Public Inquiry Service Platform for Residential Earthquake Insurance" (住宅地震保險震後民眾查詢服務平台), allowing inquiries about policy details. As Taiwan faces frequent seismic activities, the fund's reminders and resources aim to enhance preparedness and recovery.
Sinyi Realty (信義房屋) offers tips for checking house safety after an earthquake. Start by looking for signs of tilting or sinking in the building. Check the joints of beams and columns, especially at the tops of columns and around door and window frames, for cracks slanting or crossing at roughly a 45-degree angle. If you notice concrete peeling or exposed rebar, immediately call a professional for an assessment.
