Test earthquake, tsunami and all-clear alerts would be issued at 9:21am, 9:30am and 10am respectively on Friday, aimed at improving emergency response capabilities and optimizing disaster warning systems, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said today.
The test alerts would coincide with National Disaster Prevention Day, focused this year on preparations to survive major quakes and strengthening disaster preparedness, the agency said in a news release.
The drill would familiarize the public with how to respond to an earthquake, strengthening their ability to save themselves and others, the CWA said.
Photo: CNA
It would also help government agencies and civic groups prepare for disasters, working together to build a more resilient disaster prevention system, it said.
The drill is set for 9:21am on Friday, and would simulate a magnitude 8.5 earthquake in the Ryukyu Trench east of Taiwan at a depth of 10km, triggering a tsunami, the CWA said.
The agency would use the cell broadcast service to send disaster alerts to the public via mobile phones, ensuring that everyone becomes familiar with the alerts and evacuation methods, it said.
The alerts would come in three parts: first the earthquake warning would be issued nationwide at 9:21am, followed by a tsunami warning for coastal areas at 9:30am and finally an all-clear message at 10am.
The earthquake alert is to read “2025 National Disaster Prevention Day Drill earthquake alert drill. During an earthquake, drop, take cover and hold on” in Mandarin, followed by “Earthquake Disaster Drill” in English.
The tsunami alert is to read “2025 National Disaster Prevention Day Drill tsunami alert drill. Do not panic. In the event of a real tsunami, immediately evacuate to higher ground” in Mandarin, followed by “Tsunami Disaster Drill” in English.
The all-clear alert is to read, “2025 National Disaster Prevention Day Drill tsunami alert all-clear exercise. Do not panic. In the event of a real tsunami, immediately evacuate to higher ground” in Mandarin, followed by “Tsunami Disaster Drill” in English.
Schools and kindergartens nationwide would conduct earthquake response drills simultaneously, leading students through the “drop, take over and hold on” procedure to teach them how to protect themselves during an earthquake, the CWA said.
The drills are to take place ahead of National Disaster Prevention Day on Sunday, commemorating the 921 earthquake of 1999 and promoting public awareness and preparedness for future disasters.
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