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Rescue officials get ready for rainy season disasters

Although the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) said yesterday that the spate of rainy days might end tomorrow, government agencies involved in disaster prevention lunched preparations for the arrival of the rainy season in a bid to protect residents from floods and landslides. The preparations come as Typhoon Sonca loomed off of Taiwan's southern tip.

At 5pm yesterday, the bureau lift heavy rain warnings it had issued earlier. Forecasters said that between 12am and 5pm yesterday, central Taiwan had accumulated abundant rainfall. The highest amount was measured in Kuohsing Township, Nantou County, which received 118mm of rain. However, abundant rainfall was also measured in many other counties, including Pingtung, Chiayi, and Hualien.

Wu Wan-hua (伍婉華), a forecaster at the bureau, said yesterday that the strength of the front would decrease today. However, afternoon rain showers might be seen in the following days.

"Beginning Thursday, the temperature will increase. The highest record for the day at many places around the island might exceed 30?C," Wu said.

Wu said that Typhoon Sonca, the third of this year, was increasing but it would not affect the weather of Taiwan. According to the bureau, Sonca's eye yesterday was about 1,400km east of Oluanpi (鵝鑾鼻), the nation's southern tip, and would move away from the nation.

Wu Huei-long (吳輝龍), director general of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau under the Council of Agriculture, said yesterday that the first drill aimed at minimizing the effects of mudslides would take place tomorrow in Miaoli County.

"It's a good chance for the government to get familiar with dealing with catastrophes triggered by heavy rains," Wu Huei-long said.

He also said that the collaborative drill will be conducted jointly by the public and private sectors in order to maximize disaster prevention. Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) is expected to witness the drill.

The drill will involve a mock situation where people are trapped or injured as a result of landslides. Police, firefighters and rescue workers from other agencies will practice rescuing people in these situations.
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