6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes off Hualien

2023-10-24

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off Hualien County Tuesday morning. The shaking was felt islandwide, at a maximum intensity of 3 on a 7-tier scale. Seismologists say that in the Taipei area, the seismic waves were amplified by the geography and tall buildings, making the quake feel stronger than it was. They warn that aftershocks of up to magnitude 6 may occur within the next five days.

An earthquake rocked Taiwan at 7:05 a.m. on Tuesday. This cashier at an Yilan supermarket was startled by the shaking, raising a hand to shield his head. The Central Weather Administration issued an earthquake warning for Yilan.

Supermarket employee
The alert went off, and everything started shaking. There was a customer, so I just kept attending to her.

Supermarket employee
The ground shook quite violently. I rushed out to check on the store to see if anything fell to the ground.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located off the coast of Hualien. With a magnitude of 6.2, it is the biggest earthquake recorded in Taiwan so far this year. It was relatively shallow, at just 5.7 kilometers deep. In Yilan, Hualien, New Taipei and Hsinchu, the earthquake measured 3 on Taiwan’s 7-tier intensity scale. In Taipei, Taitung, Nantou and Taichung, it was felt at an intensity rating of 2. Even in the offshore county of Penghu, the earthquake registered an intensity level of 1. The shaking woke up many residents in greater Taipei.

Wu Chien-fu
CWA Seismological Center
In the Taipei basin or in taller buildings, the basin and the buildings resonate with the rocking, making the earthquake feel bigger. Since many people were still sleeping and everything was still quiet, the quake may have been more noticeable.

Chen Wen-shan
NTU Department of Geosciences
The direction of the seismic waves varies, and each earthquake may result in different intensities of swaying at the same spot. It’s all because of the path of the seismic waves. These factors are called seismic site effects.

On average, Taiwan gets hit with two to three earthquakes with magnitudes of 6 or above every year. The temblor on Tuesday was the first one in 2023. So far this year, there have been 24 earthquakes with magnitudes of 5 or above, which is not far from the yearly average of 25. The CWA says this year’s seismic activity is within the normal range.

Wu Chien-fu
CWA Seismological Center
Based on the data we have, we don’t rule out the possibility of aftershocks ranging from 5.5 to 6 in magnitude within the next five days.

The earthquake was also felt in Japan’s Yonaguni Island, where it registered an intensity of 3, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Even as far as Ishigaki Island, the temblor reached an intensity of 2.

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今年規模最大!花蓮外海6.2地震 5天內恐有5.5餘震

2023-10-24

今天(24日)早上7點5分地牛翻身，這起地震發生在花蓮外海，規模達6.2，是今年最大的一起，最大震度達3級，由於深度只有5.7公里，屬於極淺層地震，全台有感，氣象署提醒，不排除在五天內，還會有規模5.5到6.0的餘震發生。

24號上午7點5分地牛翻身，宜蘭的超市內，原本在結帳的店員，都被嚇了一跳，下意識舉手護住頭部。氣象署也針對宜蘭發布國家級警報。

[[宜蘭超市店員]]
“(警報)馬上響，馬上搖，我還有客人，我也沒辦法，我就只好繼續算(帳)。

[[宜蘭超市店員]]
“搖得蠻大力，趕快出去看一下賣場，有沒有東西掉落。”

這起地震發生在花蓮外海，規模達6.2，是今年觀測範圍內最大的一起，而且深度只有5.7公里，屬於極淺層地震，宜蘭、花蓮、新北、新竹等地，最大震度達3級，台北、台東、南投、台中等地則是2級，連離島澎湖都有1級。大台北地區有不少民眾，都感受到相當劇烈的搖晃，從睡夢中被驚醒。

[[氣象署地震測報中心主任吳健富]]
“台北盆地或是比較高的樓層，會有一些盆地的效應，跟大樓的效應，會有一些共振，所以你感覺會比較大，而且這時候可能有人還在睡夢當中，因為環境場比較安靜，所以你感覺到的震動會更明顯。”

[[台大地質系教授陳文山]]
“地震波傳達的方向，其實方向不一樣，同一個地點，搖晃的程度就會不一樣，可能跟它的震波行經的路線，是有關係的，我們稱為，場址效應。”

台灣一年平均會發生2到3個，規模6以上的地震，週二這起是今年第一個，而規模5以上的地震則已經有25個，和平均值24個相近，氣象署認定今年的地震仍在平均值內。

[[氣象署地震測報中心主任吳健富]]
“根據資料研判，大概5天內，我們不排除會有規模5.5到6.0的餘震會發生。”

這起地震，震央臨近日本的與那國島，日本氣象廳在當地測得3級震度，石垣島也有2級，都能感受到地牛翻身的威力。

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Lai talks social welfare at final policy presentation

2023-10-24

Lithuania-Taiwan partnership ‘must become a success story’: Lithuania speaker

The speaker of Lithuania’s parliament, Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, led a delegation to the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday. Legislative Speaker You Si-kun presented her with a medal of honor for parliamentary diplomacy. He also thanked Lithuania for maintaining ties with Taiwan despite pressure from Beijing. Speaking at the Legislative Yuan, Cmilyte-Nielsen noted that many EU nations were observing the Lithuania-Taiwan friendship, to see what economic and investment results it yields. They will decide their next steps based on the outcome, she said, emphasizing that it was crucial that the partnership become a success.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun presents a medal of honor for parliamentary diplomacy to his Lithuanian counterpart, Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen. Since 2021, Taiwan has deepened its friendship with Lithuania, with Lithuania resisting Chinese pressure to maintain its Taiwan ties. On behalf of Taiwan, You conveyed his gratitude to Lithuania.

You Si-kun
Legislative speaker
In an international society where monetary interests are used as a measuring stick, Speaker Cmilyte-Nielsen has stood unbowed, showing a noble character and her determination to uphold the universal values of freedom and democracy. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China, Taiwan, I would like to express my utmost respect to the speaker for her unwavering resolve and her efforts to promote what is good.

Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen
Lithuania parliament speaker
One could say that today’s cooperation between Lithuania and Taiwan and is a litmus test to many countries worldwide in general and to the EU in particular. A number of other EU member states are eager to see the specific economic and investment results achieved and it would determine further steps of other EU member states accordingly. This is why the partnership between Taiwan and Lithuania must become a success story. Together we must show that collaboration between democracies is both right and mutually beneficial.

Since the mutual establishment of representative offices, Taiwan and Lithuania have ramped up exchanges in trade, culture, and tech. Besides sharing democratic values, the two nations have geopolitical similarities, as both face an expanding regional hegemony.

Victorija Cmilyte-Nielsen
Lithuania parliament speaker
We must take action to support freedom in Ukraine and beyond. We must uphold the rule of law and human rights and we must take responsibility for our actions or our failures to act.

Taiwan and Lithuanian lawmakers stood side by side in a commemorative photo. The speaker will depart on Wednesday after a four-day tour, which marked a big step forward for Taiwan-Lithuanian ties.

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2023-10-24

Government launches ‘111’ text messaging platform

2023-10-24

A refresher on earthquake safety: Forget the ‘Golden Triangle’ theory

Now for a short refresher on earthquake safety. Do you know what to do if the Earth starts to tremble? Maybe you’ve been through loads of quake drills, maybe you have a procedure when you hear a tremor. And maybe you’ve heard of the popular “Golden Triangle” theory about where to hide. Today we go over the basic, uncontroversial advice, which is to “get down, cover, stabilize.” We also hear from quake experts to bust some myths. The keys to remember are lowering your center of gravity, protecting your head, and hiding under something stable.

When an earthquake siren sounds, and the ground starts to shake, there’s no time to waste. Many of us aren’t sure where to hide to protect ourselves, but these passersby are well-informed.

Member of public
I remember what we were taught in school. You need to hide under a solid table, and protect your head.

Member of public
Hide under the table or beside a cabinet.

There are 36,000 to 40,000 earthquakes in Taiwan every year. Only about 1,000 are strong enough to notice. Many of us have been going through emergency drills ever since we were children. The drill is always get close to the ground, cover yourself for protection, and when the quake calms down, leave the building while protecting your head. But where to hide is the million-dollar question. And best practice has changed over the years.

Chan Chien-yang
Fire Safety Museum of Taipei City Fire Department
In the 1999 Jiji Earthquake, when the Tunghsing Building collapsed in Taipei, the Sun brothers were trapped inside for many days. When they emerged, they said they had survived because of being next to a fridge, and having some fruit to eat. We can only say they were very lucky. But we can’t say, go and stand by a fridge next time there’s an earthquake, because in doing so you might be injured.

The “Golden Triangle” theory posits that when a quake begins, you should take cover next to a large piece of furniture, in a triangle between a wall and the furniture. Proponents say this space will increase your chances of survival. But earthquakes can cause furniture to move and walls to collapse, of course. It might not work out as you hope. In some cases, this space could become more dangerous.

Liao Cheh-wei
Central Weather Bureau Seismological Center
In general, we recommend that furniture like large cabinets should be fixed to the wall. For larger pieces of furniture, these days, we suggest buying an L-shaped bracket to fix it to the wall. Then if there’s an earthquake, they won’t move around.

Quake experts say the key is to get your center of gravity low to the ground and choose a sturdy piece of furniture to hide under. And do not go to turn off the gas or open the door – doing that could put you at risk of injury. The principles for best chances are “get down, cover, stabilize.”

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-10-24

Taipower launches Renze geothermal power station

2023-10-24

Taiwanese celebs walk red carpet at Tokyo International Film Festival

The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival is underway. The lineup includes five Taiwanese films, including “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “After School,” and “Miss Shampoo.” The stars of the films were invited to walk the red carpet in Tokyo, and were warmly welcomed by Japanese fans.

The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival held its opening ceremony on Monday. It was a gathering of Japan’s film luminaries, including Koji Yakusho, Tomokazu Miura, Goro Inagaki, and Yui Aragaki, all of whom are red-hot in Taiwan.

Upon seeing Taiwanese reporters, many stars expressed their love for Taiwan, and said they hoped their films would be well-received on the island.

Kamiki Ryunosuke
Japanese actor
I haven’t been to Taiwan yet. I want to go and see the road signs, the little green man running in the traffic lights.

Minami Hamabe
Japanese actor
I’ve only been to Taiwan for work reasons. But it was great. The food was tasty. I hope I can go back.

Kei Tanaka
Japanese actor
I heard Taiwan really liked “Ossan’s Love.” Thank you all for your support!

Yui Aragaki
Japanese actor
Taiwanese audiences have supported me a lot. It makes me very happy. I hope you will all appreciate my new film “Abnormal Desire.”

Five Taiwanese films will feature in this year’s festival. Taiwanese celebrities including Lan Cheng-lung, Wu Kang-ren, Su I-hsuan, and Yeh Hsiao-fei came to Tokyo to walk the red carpet.

Su I-hsuan
Taiwanese film director
I’m in quite a good mood because the weather is great. It’s my first time walking the red carpet in Tokyo. I’m very impressed.

Yeh Hsiao-fei
Taiwanese actor
I’m so happy, because I really like Tokyo. The air in Japan is especially refreshing. I’m very happy that “Who’ll Stop the Rain” has brought me to see everyone here in Tokyo.

Wu Chien-ho
Taiwanese actor
Walking the red carpet has been quite fun. I’ve never experienced such a long carpet. All the way there, people were asking me for autographs and greeting me.

Wu Kang-ren
Taiwanese actor
Film enthusiasts here have done their homework. They call out each actor’s name. So when you’re walking, they all call out to you by your name.

In recent years, the Ministry of Culture has pushed to promote Taiwan films overseas. At this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival, there’s even a brochure introducing Taiwan film history to Japanese audiences.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-10-24

Spotlight: Taiwanese korfball player-turned-model Chien Wan-yun

Today we take you to meet Taiwanese fashion model Chien Wan-yun. Not only did she walk in Taipei Fashion Week, she is also representing Taiwan at the Asia finals of the International Super Model Contest in Kunming in late October. Prior to being a model, Chien was a world-class korfball player who represented Taiwan in tournaments. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Chien to discover her unique journey from athlete to the runway.

Strutting down the runway of Taipei Fashion Week, this is Chien Wan-yun. Standing at 171 centimeters tall, Chien is also the winner of the Super Model category of Taiwan’s International Super Model contest. She is preparing to represent Taiwan in Kunming for the Asia final in late October.

Chien Wan-yun
Model
Regarding the runway aspect of it, elements like the high heels and the posture and the way you walk -these things require a lot of practice. The competition is coming up. I am quite nervous, so I find the time to practice. I am hoping for a good result.

Prior to modeling, Chien was a korfball player. She represented Taiwan at the IKF Korfball U23 World Championship in Hungary, where she helped Taiwan secure bronze.

Chien Wan-yun
Model
When I was in junior high school, there was korfball at our school. I joined the team out of curiosity. I liked it very much after playing, so I played korfball till college. I have always been involved in sports. Even during university and graduate school. A friend suggested that modeling might suit me, so I entered the modeling industry. Many people think that these are two very different things, but in fact, when you put them together, they have a lot in common. When we were in school, we had sports performances. We showcased sports and it was also a performance. I have been a model for only three years.

After graduating from college, she decided to give modeling a try at the suggestion of a friend. Having had no prior experience in modeling, she says she had to work very hard. She taught herself how to pose and walk by watching videos online. She credits some of her success to being an athlete.

Chien Wan-yun
Model
I can accept the difficulties that come with modeling. I think a good athlete naturally focuses on having a good posture, body management, and muscle management. So for me, these demands are quite familiar. When I get up in the morning, I exercise first, then have a controlled diet, and then exercise again in the afternoon. I exercise twice a day. I hope to expand my career internationally and will continue to work hard towards that."

Now getting ready to represent Taiwan at the International Super Model Contest, Chien is brimming with hope. Not only does she dream of bringing home gold, she also wants to walk in more fashion events worldwide.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2023-10-24

Hong Kong immigrant becomes pillar of community on Nantou’s Bagua Mountain

An immigrant from Hong Kong has become a pillar of the rural community on Nantou’s Bagua Mountain. Ip Ting Ting is a former social worker turned horticultural therapist. She and her husband run an herb garden and produce essential oils. Ip is most passionate about working with people, offering events, tours, job opportunities for young people, and trainings to help others create their own businesses. But moving from Hong Kong to rural Taiwan was not always plain sailing. We go to Nantou to hear the story.

A wide horizon ends in far-off mountain peaks. This garden is like an idyll in the clouds, cut off from the world. The aromatic herb garden on Nantou’s Bagua八卦 Mountain was once a secluded spot, but now it’s full of the sound of joyful visitors, thanks to Ip Ting Ting’s work.

Ip Ting Ting
Hong Kong horticultural therapist
This is called “The Herb of Youth.” It’s a Mediterranean plant. Legend has it that when the Empress of Hungary was in her 60s, she used this as a cosmetic, and then she was able to marry a prince in his twenties.

The spick and span garden was built brick by brick by Ip’s husband Wei Cheng-chuan. Before they married, the herb garden was used to create essential oils, and visitors were only allowed in at weekends. But when Ip moved to Taiwan in 2017, they opened up the doors of the garden to more visitors. Ip’s role is in essential oil sales and events management.

But when she first arrived on Bagua Mountain from Hong Kong, it was hard to settle in. It felt like the middle of nowhere.

Wei Cheng-chuan
Husband of Ip Ting Ting
She didn’t like the heat, the insects, the cold, the frogs, or any amphibians for that matter. I thought she would find her own way through it. I wasn’t too worried that she would find her way.

Ip previously worked as a social worker in Hong Kong. When she married Wei, and moved to Taiwan, it was hard to find work and farming didn’t suit her. But she found her footing when she qualified as an aromatherapist and horticultural therapist, and took the herb garden to the next level. She’s committed to revitalizing the local economy, and helps local farmers and women develop business skills, through purchasing contracts and job opportunities. She’s even offered trainings to support others towards financial independence.

Ip Ting Ting
Hong Kong horticultural therapist
What I want most, now, is to train up some young teachers, to get them really well trained in a professional knowledge base. I think my skill is in helping people.

Ip also employs university students in the garden, offering bed and board.

Ip Ting Ting
Hong Kong horticultural therapist
We give them an experience of coming to the rural village, and we guide these city youths to go out and serve older people in more remote places, to serve the community.

Ip’s love of serving and being part of groups has never left her since her days in social work. She wants to take great care of Bagua Mountain, and her own brilliance and commitment are the best assets to her company and the community.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2023-10-24

Taekwondo practitioner Xiao Xiang-wen wins Taiwan’s first Asian Para Games gold

Taiwan celebrated its first gold at the Asian Para Games on Monday. Taekwondo practitioner Xiao Xiang-wen emerged victorious in the men’s under-58-kilogram event in the K44 class. The 24-year-old had taken an unexpected journey to gold, after a traffic accident dashed his dream of making the mainstream taekwondo team. Now, as a para-athlete, his hard work has paid off, and he’s fulfilled his dream of shining bright on the global stage.

Taekwondo practitioner Xiao Xiang-wen stands tall on the podium. He’s claimed Taiwan’s first gold at the Asian Para Games.

His journey to the gold medal match was remarkable, with him defeating every rival by a wide margin. Fighting in red in the final, Xiao used a rapid-fire offensive against Japan’s Mitsuya Tanaka. He won 27-11, scoring his first-ever Asian Para Games gold.

Xiao Xiang-wen
Taekwondo gold medalist
I’m elated. The Asian Para Games is such a major competition. As an athlete, I had never competed before on such a large scale. So I’m thrilled. It’s a dream come true. My next goal is to make it to the Paralympics.

Xiao has trained in taekwondo since he was a child. As a college senior, he had hoped to try out for Taiwan’s mainstream taekwondo team. But a traffic accident shattered his dream and left him with damaged nerves in his right arm. Initially, Xiao was devastated. But with the support of his family and girlfriend, he transitioned to coaching, before returning to the ring as a para-athlete. His perseverance paid off, sending him to a new career high. Throughout his journey, his coach Wu Yen-ni has been right there beside him.

Wu Yen-ni
Xiao Xiang-wen’s coach
Before the accident, his life was all about taekwondo. Overnight, he lost everything. He must have been devastated. So I’m very happy that he has had this opportunity. Very happy for him.

Wu herself is an Asian Games silver medalist, but she says seeing Xiao win brought even greater joy than her own medal. After battling through adversity, Xiao reached the top of a major competition. His next goal? Making it into the Paris Paralympics next year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-10-24