We have been feeling the shakes in Taiwan recently, and many of us are concerned whether they act as warning signs for potential big earthquakes.

Experts are saying that it is impossible to estimate the magnitude of future quakes, let alone the time that it may occur. The only way to be ready is to establish a disaster prevention system in coping with emergency situations.

Fushan of Wulai in New Taipei City is one of the most popular destinations for mountain climbers and bikers.

The Central Weather Bureau detected a magnitude 3.4 earthquake at 8:13 Monday evening, the first felt earthquake detected with its epicenter in Wulai since Taiwan established the seismic network.

It was believed to be associated with seismic activity on blind thrust faults.

Within 48 hours, several earthquakes hit different areas of Taiwan.

The Central Weather Bureau says the public shouldn't worry too much about huge earthquakes given its high frequency.

Geology scholars indicate that the history of earthquake prediction is not long enough and the statistics cannot be used in such practice.

Since any activities on blind thrust faults are unable to be detected, the focus should be on the known active faults.

More than 30 sites across Taiwan are confirmed to have such faults.

Scholars take last month's earthquake in Japan as an example, adding that the Japanese authority didn't expect to see such a huge earthquake but its warning system and disaster prevention education have helped minimize the damages.

That's why before the technology of predicting an earthquake matures, it's more practical to enhance education efforts in disaster prevention.

◆ 追蹤更多華視影音及圖文新聞：
1.用Plurk追蹤華視影音及圖文新聞：追蹤
2.用Twitter追蹤華視影音及圖文新聞：追蹤