The 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck central Taiwan Sept. 21 was the worst here in decades. More than 2,100 people were killed, many thousands injured and some 100,000 displaced. The island has felt 4,000 aftershocks, most of them minor, but a 6.5-magnitude temblor struck Sept. 26 and was felt in Taipei, 100 miles from the epicenter. Many of the country’s roads and bridges were damaged and remote regions in the interior were completely cut off. A threat of landslides remains, especially as the threat of tropical storms looms. Non-essential travel to Taiwan should be deferred until the recovery effort has had time to take effect. Rebuilding infrastructure and public works may take years, and travel in Taichung and Nantou counties may be affected for a long time. Taipei received comparatively little damage and should be back on its feet quickly.
