September 21st

On this day – 21st of September 1999 – The 921 earthquake in Taiwan

The earthquake happened near the town of Jiji and was the second most deadly in Taiwans history. With 2415 people killed and 11305 injured the earthquake caused material damages estimated to 10 billion US dollars. The earthquake measured  7.3 on the richter scale and there are records of 12,911 after quakes in the months following the main tremor. One of the aftershocks measured 6.8 on the richter scale and causing more damages and three more lives were lost. The quake is now ingrained in Taiwanese history and is referred to as the 921 earthquake.