The National Fire Agency on Thursday said a series of drills simulating a magnitude 8.5 earthquake would be held in September to enhance the government’s emergency response capabilities.
Since earthquakes cannot be predicted, only by continuously promoting disaster prevention measures could Taiwan enhance its resilience to earthquakes, agency Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章) said in a news release.
The exercises would be held to mark annual National Disaster Prevention Day on Sept. 21, the aim of which is to test Taiwan’s preparedness and improve its earthquake resilience in case of a major temblor, Hsiao said.
Photo courtesy of the National Fire Agency via CNA
As part of those drills, an earthquake alert would be sent to mobile phones through the Public Warning Cell Broadcast, news tickers would be shown on television and announcements would be broadcast on the radio, he said.
The drill would also include a tsunami warning to ensure coastal residents evacuate quickly, thereby raising Taiwan’s overall earthquake resilience, he added.
The annual earthquake drill has been held in Taiwan since 2018 and involves participants from various ministries and local governments.
The statement came amid the first anniversary of an earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, that rattled the country’s eastern Hualien County on April 3 last year.
Separately on Thursday, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene issued a statement expressing condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the Hualien earthquake.
That incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of bolstering disaster prevention and response capabilities to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in facing various crises, Greene wrote on the AIT’s Facebook page.
The US and Taiwan are working hand-in-hand to ensure disaster preparedness across various sectors through continuous collaboration, he said, adding that this partnership aims to help respond to future natural disasters and challenges.
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