Taipei, April 3 (CNA) Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) on Thursday said a series of drills simulating a magnitude 8.5 earthquake will be held in September to enhance the government’s emergency response capabilities.
Since earthquakes cannot be predicted, only by continuously promoting disaster prevention measures can Taiwan enhance its resilience to earthquakes, NFA Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章) said in a news release.
The exercises will be held to mark annual National Disaster Prevention Day on Sept. 21, the aim being to test Taiwan’s preparedness and strengthen its earthquake resilience in case of a major temblor, Hsiao said.
As part of those drills, an earthquake alert will be sent to all mobile phone users using the Public Warning Cell Broadcast, while the public will also be simultaneously notified via news tickers on television as well as radio broadcasts, he said.
Furthermore, the drill will include a tsunami warning to ensure coastal residents evacuate quickly, thereby strengthening Taiwan’s overall earthquake resilience, the director-general added.
The annual earthquake drill has been held in Taiwan since 2018 and involves participants from various ministries and local governments.
The NFA’s statement came amid the first anniversary of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rattled the country’s eastern county of Hualien on April 3, 2024.
Separately on Thursday, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Main Office Raymond Greene issued a statement expressing condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the Hualien earthquake last year.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of strengthening disaster prevention and response capabilities to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in facing various crises, Greene wrote on AIT’s Facebook page.
The United States 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.
