Staff writer, with CNAThe Central Weather Bureau has announced a modified intensity scale to better reflect the effect earthquakes have on people, structures and the environment, thereby facilitating disaster response efforts by government agencies. The new earthquake intensity scale, to be introduced on Jan. 1, has 10 levels compared with the current eight-level scale, which has been in effect since 2000, Seismological Center Director Chen Kuo-chang (陳國昌) said. The bureau’s intensity scale is computed based solely on peak ground acceleration and is graded 0 to 7, with 7 being the strongest intensity. In intensity 6-strong earthquakes, stronger buildings are likely to be damaged. In intensity 7 earthquakes, people are unable to move at will due to violent shaking, stronger buildings could collapse and railroad tracks become twisted.

Source: Taipei Times December 20, 2019 15:56 UTC