Taiwan conducts disaster preparedness drills
Taiwan conducted nationwide disaster preparedness drills ahead of National Disaster Prevention Day, commemorating the devastating 1999 Jiji earthquake. The exercises, part of a three-day "disaster relief mobilization drill" from September 18-20, involved over 1,000 participants from various ministries and local governments.
At 9:21 a.m., the Central Weather Administration used the Public Warning Cell Broadcast Service to send a test earthquake alert to all mobile phones across Taiwan. The alert simulated a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Chiayi County, instructing recipients to "drop, cover, and hold on." At 10 a.m., coastal areas received a tsunami test alert, followed by an "all clear" message 10 minutes later.
These nationwide alerts were complemented by on-the-ground drills in central Taiwan. The exercises involved soldiers, firefighters, and emergency responders, simulating rescue operations and emergency medical care. Mock victims were transported by ambulance and treated in emergency tents, demonstrating the coordination between different emergency services.
A notable feature of the drills was a simulated firefighting operation at a local plastics factory. This exercise showcased advanced equipment, including a fire extinguisher robot, highlighting the technological advancements in Taiwan's disaster response capabilities.
Tsai Chien-an, Director General of the Chiayi County Fire Bureau, emphasized the significance of these drills, noting the substantial improvements in coordination and equipment since the 1999 Jiji earthquake. This tragic event, which resulted in 2,415 deaths, 11,305 injuries, and $9.4 billion in damages, led to the establishment of National Disaster Prevention Day on September 21, 2000.
The comprehensive nature of these drills, combining nationwide alerts with localized practical exercises, reflects Taiwan's commitment to improving its disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
