Taiwan: Soil liquefaction database goes online

A government database of some areas in Taiwan that are prone to soil liquefaction is now available online.

Residents in these areas can access the site via computer or smartphone and then key in their address to check if their homes are in soil liquefaction-prone areas that are likely to suffer serious damage in a major earthquake.

Soil liquefaction has become an issue of public concern since it is believed to have been a factor in the collapse of a building and the death of 117 people in a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck southern Taiwan Feb. 6.