TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) on Wednesday (July 24) directed disaster preparedness efforts for Typhoon Gaemi (凱米), emphasizing the need for operational zones to monitor weather changes and assist in disaster relief.
Koo chaired the meeting to ensure readiness and support local governments and stressed the importance of monitoring rainfall, flood alerts, and landslide warnings. He urged units to adjust troop deployments to safe locations and maintain contact with local governments to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, Chief of the General Staff Admiral Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹) authorized commanders to allocate troops for rescue missions. He stated that if necessary, the military would halt the Han Kuang military exercises (漢光演習).
The 40th edition of these exercises entered its third day, but due to Typhoon Gaemi, most drills on the main island were canceled, with only anti-landing drills on outlying islands continuing.
As of Wednesday, authorities have canceled the Wan An exercises in Hualien, Taitung, and Penghu.
Mei noted that if more than two counties experience casualties or immediate threats, troops must fully engage in disaster relief, halting exercises to assist local efforts.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) highlighted that, in response to Typhoon Gaemi, operational zones began redirecting participating units back to their bases.
Future Han Kuang exercises will focus on simulations and tabletop exercises, with disaster relief forces and equipment on standby.