The Chi-Chi earthquake, also known as the 921 earthquake, was one of the deadliest seismic events in Taiwan's history. On the morning of September 21, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Taiwan, with its epicenter near the town of Chi-Chi in Nantou County. The quake caused widespread devastation, impacting not only the local populace but also the broader infrastructure across the island. Buildings crumbled, roads cracked, and landslides occurred, hampering rescue efforts. After the initial shock, emergency teams mobilized quickly to search for survivors, leading to a massive humanitarian effort involving local residents and international aid. Survivors faced not only the immediate dangers but also aftershocks that continued for weeks, further complicating recovery efforts.

The earthquake resulted in the loss of approximately 2,400 lives and injured over 11,000 people, making it a significant national disaster. The aftermath saw approximately 100,000 people left homeless, needing urgent shelter and assistance. Reconstruction efforts were extensive, with the Taiwanese government implementing stricter building codes to improve earthquake resilience in the future. The quake heightened awareness around seismic risks in a region known for its geological activity and initiated a nationwide push for better preparation against future disasters.

Culturally, the Chi-Chi earthquake left a profound impact on how Taiwanese society viewed natural disasters. It became a pivotal moment in Taiwan’s history, leading to improvements in disaster management and building codes, as well as fostering a spirit of community support and resilience among the populace. This event was not only a wake-up call regarding the geological realities of the region but also initiated changes in governmental policies towards disaster preparedness and response.