TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Over 40 buildings have suffered severe damage, including half a dozen in the Greater Taipei area, from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake on Wednesday (April 3).

The National Land Management Agency on Monday (April 8) said there have been requests to investigate 848 cases of damaged structures in Hualien, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Keelung. Forty-two buildings have been confirmed as “code red,” the highest level of damage, including 32 in Hualien, two in Taipei, four in New Taipei, and four in Taoyuan.

There are 70 buildings marked as "code yellow" for secondary damage. This includes 35 in Hualien, 13 in Taipei, seven in New Taipei City, 14 in Taoyuan, and one in Keelung. 

Code red refers to buildings where primary structures, such as columns, beams, exterior walls, floors, and foundation voids are damaged or the building is leaning to a certain extent. Code yellow refers to buildings where non-primary structures, such as interior partitions or ceilings, are damaged or nearby buildings are leaning to a certain extent.

Six hundred and ninety-three cases did not require color-coded warnings, but are still under investigation. 

The agency said that aftershocks are still occurring. It reminded the public to inspect their houses, paying attention to beams, columns, load-bearing walls, and floors for any cracks or signs of crushed or fallen concrete or exposed steel bars. 

If any of the above situations are found, they should be reported for on-site inspection and assessment by professional civil engineers or architects.

The agency said that in areas where there are concerns about external wall peeling or falling objects, people should try to detour or walk on covered sidewalks. Regarding follow-up procedures, buildings that have been designated code red or yellow can be eligible for reconstruction without the need for additional preliminary or detailed evaluations.

The agency stated that to assist the public in carrying out seismic reinforcement of buildings and improving weak layers in houses, the maximum subsidy for each case is NT$4.5 million (US$140,000). A special office has been set up by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering to handle this project. 

People with concerns about their buildings can inquire online at the website for private buildings or call 02-6630-0237.