The devastating earthquake in Japan last Friday has prompted other nations to re-evaluate the risks of natural disasters they may face. And in Taiwan, experts have pointed out that the island's high density of active faults, coupled with inadequate public training in disaster prevention, has made Taiwan especially vulnerable to massive earthquakes.

The 921 earthquake along the Chelungpu fault affected 50 km in length as one can imagine the scope of the earthquake damage. According to geological survey Taiwan has at least 40 active faults. This does not include hidden "sea faults" with large-scale earthquakes exacerbating plate dislocation.

Taiwan is earthquake-prone, and has been engaged in long term preparations.

Scholars say that Taiwan's earthquake resistance building practices need to catch up with standards and is far behind that of Japan including building quality and construction supervision as well as disaster drills.

All of these areas should be further strengthened. Scholars believe that Taiwan has experience with the 921 earthquake and disaster prevention concepts are more mature, but has yet to implement the national disaster prevention training or other pre-disaster planning.

There may be room for improvement in all of these areas. Earthquake disaster prevention training should include public participation and not just specific unit or areas.

Instead, as part of the government's disaster policy reducing the extent of losses and scope of a disaster.

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