Singapore Family’s Terrifying Experience in Taiwan: Shaking Building Forces Them to Seek Shelter Under Hotel Room Table Multiple Times During Earthquake

Singaporean Family Faces Earthquake in Taiwan: A Lesson in Safety

When Singaporean AL Chew stepped out for breakfast in Taipei, he had no idea that his day would take a dramatic turn. Just after 8am, the 46-year-old IT manager felt the ground shake beneath him. The building swayed, and he heard items crashing to the floor. It was a moment of panic as he realized they were experiencing an earthquake.

Family’s Immediate Reaction

Chew’s thoughts immediately went to his wife and their five-year-old foster son, who were in their suite at the Grand Hyatt Taipei. He rushed back to the room, scooped up his son, and urged his wife to take cover under a sturdy desk. “The shaking was more intense than I expected, and I was scared for my family’s safety,” he recalled.

The family was only three days into their week-long holiday when they found themselves caught in Taiwan’s most significant earthquake in 25 years. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck near Hualien, about 157km from Taipei, claiming seven lives and injuring hundreds. Chew and his family had to take cover under the table three more times during the aftershocks. To ease their son’s fears, they pretended they were playing a game of hide-and-seek. “I was smiling through it, trying to keep the mood light,” Chew shared.

Concerns and Precautions

Being on a high floor added to Chew’s anxiety about evacuating if the building collapsed. He focused on staying calm and ensuring they had food, water, and a way to protect themselves from falling debris. The family had planned to leave for Kaohsiung at 9.30am with a private driver, but the hotel lifts were out of service.

After receiving updates from his cousin in Taiwan about the earthquake’s severity, Chew’s worries grew. Thankfully, they managed to leave the hotel around 10.15am when one lift resumed operation. The drive to Kaohsiung, which usually takes about 4.5 hours, turned into a slow crawl due to disruptions in public transport. Despite their initial attempts to book train tickets, which were sold out, Chew now considers this a stroke of luck.

Traffic was bumper-to-bumper, with signs indicating an average speed of just 40km/h. The family finally reached their destination close to 5pm, nearly 6.5 hours after departing Taipei. Despite the challenges, they were determined not to let the earthquake ruin their holiday. “These things are beyond our control. All we can do is take care of ourselves and those around us,” Chew reflected. He also expressed gratitude for their safety while keeping the locals affected by the quake in his thoughts.

Learning from the Experience

This incident serves as a crucial reminder for Singaporeans about the importance of safety during emergencies. It’s an opportunity to learn about earthquake safety measures, especially when traveling to areas prone to seismic activity.

Key Earthquake Safety Measures for Singaporeans

To ensure safety during earthquakes, here are some essential measures everyone should know:

1. **Drop, Cover, and Hold On**: Instruct individuals to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.

2. **Evacuation Plans**: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and assembly points in case of a major earthquake.

3. **Secure Heavy Items**: Encourage securing heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from toppling over.

4. **Emergency Kit**: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, first aid supplies, and important documents.

5. **Stay Informed**: Keep updated through reliable sources such as official government channels or local news during and after an earthquake.

Strategies for Better Public Awareness

To effectively disseminate earthquake safety information, the government and relevant authorities can consider the following strategies:

1. **Public Awareness Campaigns**: Launch campaigns across social media, TV, and community events to educate the public about safety measures.

2. **Workshops and Training Sessions**: Conduct hands-on training in communities, schools, and workplaces to teach earthquake safety procedures.

3. **Mobile Apps and Websites**: Develop interactive apps and websites with resources for learning about earthquake preparedness.

4. **Collaboration with Community Leaders**: Partner with community leaders and organizations to spread awareness about earthquake safety.

5. **Regular Drills and Exercises**: Organize drills in schools and workplaces to practice response and evacuation procedures.

By implementing these measures, Singaporeans can be better prepared for emergencies like earthquakes, ensuring their safety and the safety of those around them.

Learn more about emergency preparedness from the Singapore Civil Defence Force.