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In this study, the authors attempted to determine factors associated with earthquake deaths in the great Chi-Chi Earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999, in Taiwan. An isoseismal map was used to identify life-threatening hazards. The vertical peak ground acceleration of ground motion intensity was deemed the most appropriate index for the evaluation of building collapse and mortality. Mortality increased with the increase in earthquake intensity, and building collapse, approaching the epicenter. The greatest number of collapsed buildings and human deaths occurred between the Chelungpu Fault and the Shuantun Fault. Individuals 65 yr of age and older were the most vulnerable to the impact. The authors' findings suggest that improvements in earthquake-resistant building design and construction, as well as improved medical rescue for the elderly, could reduce the level of exposure to earthquake hazards.

Examines the factors associated with deaths resulting from the great Chi-Chi Earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999 in Taiwan. Consideration of the vertical peak ground acceleration of ground motion intenjsity as the most appropriate index for the evaluation of building collapse and mortality; Relation between increase in mortality and increase in earthquake intensity; Occurrence of the greatest number of collapsed buildings and human deaths between the Chelungpu Fault and Shuantun Fault.

Abstract: The descriptive study attempts to find house factors associated with earthquake deaths due to the earthquake that struck central Taiwan. Isoseismic area was selected for study to compare building damage and mortality. The rate of houses collapsing increased with intensity of earthquake, inferior constructing, and construction time. According to the ranking by mortality and statistics of death toll in various houses, the poor seismic resistant capacity of mud-brick residence is found to be the major factor that caused great loss of lives. There is 47.6% of the deaths occurred in mud-brick houses though present only 3.8% of all houses. While the reinforced steel concrete buildings had very low damage rate in the major earthquake. Asphyxia and internal hemorrhage were the major cause of deaths in house collapses. These results suggest that improvements in anti-seismic constructing and rescue team efforts could decrease the effect of disaster. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]