Home Blog Shared House GuideDisaster Safety Guide in Taiwan: Earthquakes, Typhoons and Emergency Tips for Foreigners in Taiwan
For many 1st time students and expats , their first earthquake in Taiwan is a "Welcome to Taiwan" moment they never forget, but it can be genuinely scary without context.
In Taiwan, it’s not a matter of if a natural event will happen, but when. Just like Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Taiwan sits directly on the "Ring of Fire," the most seismically active region on Earth. For many foreigners, the first loud PWS (Public Warning System) alert on their phone can be terrifying especially the first time!
As a foreigner living in Taiwan , what kind of disaster do you need to pay attention to especially since many warnings would be in Chinese If you are coming from some parts of America or Europe, Australia , New Zealand , you are use to more different types of disaster than others and this will dictate what kind of preparation is necessary .
For local Taiwanese, tremors are a part of daily life—Taiwan experiences an average of 18,500 earthquakes per year (about 1,000 are felt). If you see locals looking unfazed while the room shakes, don't be shocked! Their calmness comes from a lifetime of experience and the knowledge that Taiwan has some of the strictest building codes in the world.
Taiwan’s safety standards weren't built overnight; they were forged through history.
The 921 Earthquake (1999): This was a turning point for the nation. A magnitude 7.3 quake struck central Taiwan, leading to a total overhaul of building regulations. If your apartment was built after 1999, it follows these much stricter "post-921" safety codes.
The 2024 Hualien Earthquake: Recently, a magnitude 7.4 quake hit. While it caused damage near the epicenter, the fact that Taipei’s skyscrapers and most homes remained standing perfectly is a testament to Taiwan’s world-class engineering.
When the PWS (Public Warning System) alarm screams on your phone, you usually have about 5–10 seconds before the shaking starts.
The Rule: Drop to your knees, Cover your head, and Hold On to a sturdy table leg.
Stay Inside: Do not run outside while the ground is shaking. Falling tiles, glass, or signboards from buildings are the biggest risks.
Check the Stove: If you are cooking, turn off the gas only if you can do so safely.
The "Locals" Test: If the locals start moving toward the exit, follow them. If they stay seated, it’s likely a minor tremor.
Typhoon season (July–September) is mostly about staying indoors. The government is very proactive about safety.
The "Holiday": At around 8:00 PM the night before a storm, check the DGPA website. If it says "停班停課" near to the county you are living in , it means schools and offices are closed.
Typhoon Snacks: It’s a local tradition to stock up on instant noodles! Ensure you have 2–3 days of water and food.
Secure your Balcony: Taiwan apartments often have balconies—move your plants and laundry inside so they don't become flying objects!
The Danger: The real risk during typhoons isn't just wind; it’s flooding and landslides in mountainous areas. If you live in the mountains, follow evacuation orders immediately.
As a student living in a share house or dorm, keep a small backpack near your door. If a major event happens, you can grab it and go.
Documents: A photocopy of your ARC and Passport.
Power: A fully charged power bank.
Cash: Some small bills and coins (vending machines work when shops are closed).
Safety: A whistle (to call for help if trapped) and a small flashlight.
Health: A 3-day supply of any personal medication.
You shouldn't wait for the news to tell you what's happening. These apps provide real-time data directly from government sensors.
| App Name |
Why You Need It |
Best Feature |
| CWA Weather (中央氣象署) |
The official app from the Central Weather Administration |
Provides real-time radar, typhoon paths, and earthquake reports. |
| KNY Taiwan Earthquake | Often faster than the official alerts. | A countdown timer that tells you exactly how many seconds until the earthquake waves hit your specific location |
| Taiwan Weather (W) | A clean, user-friendly interface for daily weather. | Great for "chance of rain" notifications so you know when to carry an umbrella. |
| Environmental Info | Tracks air quality (AQI). | Essential for days when the air is hazy/polluted so you know when to wear a mask. |
If you are coming from a country with wooden houses (like the US or Australia), the "shaking" in a concrete Taiwan apartment feels different.
The Sound: Concrete buildings "creak" and "groan" during earthquakes. This is actually a good sign—it means the building is flexible and absorbing the energy.
Safety Check: When looking for a shared house or apartment, check for major cracks in the support beams. Most modern buildings (built after 1999) follow extremely strict earthquake codes. Taiwan newer infrastructure like skyscrapers like Taipei 101 have massive dampers to swing with the wind, and most apartment buildings are reinforced concrete.
Check the Government Website: The Work and School Resumption/Suspension website is where everyone looks to see if they have a typhoon day off.
Emergency Kit: Keep a small "Go Bag" near your door with a flashlight, extra power bank, bottled water, and a copy of your ARC/Passport.
Foreigner Hotline (1990): If you are confused by a Mandarin announcement during a disaster, call 1990. They provide 24/7 support in multiple languages.
Personal Tip: The first time your phone screams with a PWS alert, your heart will race. Take a breath, look at what the locals are doing (usually they just remain unfazed and still doing their errands, eating or working then it's small!), and follow the directions of security personnel in the area, or "Drop, Cover, Hold On" rule.
For us at Taiwan Share House, we take your safety seriously as international students coming to aTaiwan. We do this by providing these features in all our Co-living residences.
Modern Standards: Our houses are located in modern apartment blocks designed to meet the latest seismic codes.
Fire Safety: All units are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
English Support: If you are ever confused by a Chinese government announcement or feel unsafe, our team provides all-round English support. You can reach out to us 24/7 during emergencies.
These are some words you will see so here is a translation so you can understand whats happening.
地震 (Earthquake)
颱風 (Typhoon)
停班停課 (Work and School Suspension)
* 地牛翻身 (The Subterranean Bull stirs) – A fun local idiom for earthquakes!
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