The September 21 Jiji Earthquake severely damaged the Central Cross-Island Highway. In the first year following the quake, engineers and workers rebuilt the Guguan to Techi Section, risking life and limb to enter this rockslide zone. But much of their progress was undone by a series of new disasters, including torrential rain on January 21 and an aftershock on May 17. After a May 26 meeting and on-site inspection by Transportation Minister Yeh Chu-Lan, the minister decided to suspend work until the end of typhoon season. The decision proved fortuitous when another earthquake on June 11 and torrential rain on June 20 caused yet more damage.
A year after the Jiji Earthquake, this publication describes the damage it and the subsequent disasters caused. It reviews reconstruction policies and offers an in-depth look at the Guguan to Techi Section of the cross-island highway, as well as aerial photographs taken before and after rebuilding began. In light of this publication, we want to express special thanks to the people who have put themselves at great risk during the rebuilding and information-gathering process. Their contributions give us new hope for the future.