Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday said the city would hold a joint exercise with New Taipei City, after its response drill yesterday simulating an attack at Taipei Main Station.
The exercise began at 2pm, during which multiple “assailants” threw smoke grenades on platforms and indiscriminately attacked people before fleeing to the station’s underground shopping area, the city government said.
At 2:18pm, emergency alerts were sent to phones within 1km radius of the scene, informing people in Chinese and English that a drill was taking place, and advising them to stay calm, seek cover and avoid gathering or crowding.
Photo: Lo Pei-de, Taipei Times
Chiang praised the drills as thorough, well-organized and well- executed, expressing his highest respect and gratitude to all those involved in the exercise and its planning.
The drill integrated the city’s railway and metro, underground malls, and resources from central, local and private agencies, he said.
The exercise was the second phase of response drills initiated after the deadly incident in Taipei on Dec. 19 last year, he said, adding that it was larger and more complex than the exercise held last month at Taipei City Hall Station.
Photo: Lo Pei-de, Taipei Times
The drills aim to ensure that the public remains vigilant and ready for unexpected incidents, Chiang said.
He reminded the public to follow the “escape, hide and report” principle, which is to move away from danger or find a safe space immediately, avoid gathering or taking photos and assist by reporting the incident.
The third phase of drills would be held in conjunction with New Taipei City before the Lunar New Year holiday next month, during which a simulation of multiple “assailants” carrying out attacks across transportation sites would be held, Chiang said.
The exact date was not disclosed.
The Taipei incident last year highlighted the importance of raising public awareness of civil defense measures and bolstered joint safety drills, he added.
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