EngineeringElectrical EngineeringCritical Infrastructure ProtectionEarthquake EngineeringSeismic DesignEarthquake HazardsEarthquake Response Of StructuresEarthquake Risk ReductionSeismic Risk AnalysisDistribution SystemsEarthquake-induced DamageEarthquakesHigh-voltage Power DistributionHigh-voltage Power SupplyHigh-voltage Power SystemsHigh-voltage Transmission LinesPower System Integration
The Wenchuan M 7.9 earthquake of May 12, 2008 had its epicenter in Yingxiu, about 100 km northwest of Chengdu. The epicenter was 31.0 degrees latitude, 103.4 degrees longitude. The earthquake occurred at 2:28 pm local time. The earthquake caused widespread and extensive damage to the high voltage power transmission network as well as local distribution systems. If China adopts modern seismic design guidelines for its power system, likely more than 90% to 95% of all such damage will be avoided in future earthquakes in China.