TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Government officials launched Taiwan's 114th National Disaster Prevention Day (國家防災日) Tuesday (Sept. 2) at Taipei Main Station (台北車站), the island's central hub. The Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部), Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部), and Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP, 原民會), Taiwan's indigenous affairs agency, coordinated the demonstration. The comprehensive event showcased the nation's enhanced preparedness for devastating seismic disasters.
Rescue dogs Betsy and Email captivated attendees as they demonstrated sophisticated search operations for missing persons following simulated earthquake scenarios. Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) highlighted Taiwan's remarkable resilience since the devastating Sept. 21, 1999, earthquake, which resulted in 2,415 deaths, 29 missing persons, and over 11,000 injuries. Liu emphasized that the government designated Sept. 21 as National Disaster Prevention Day to underscore the country's unwavering commitment to emergency readiness and disaster response capabilities.
This year's theme, "Surviving Megaquakes, Strengthening Preparedness" (巨震求生，強韌整備), encompasses a nationwide, multi-agency drill simulating a catastrophic 8.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Liu noted that escalating threats including Typhoon Danas, torrential rains in southern Taiwan, and increased seismic activity demand comprehensive preparation coordination between central and local governments. The ambitious exercise tests Taiwan's disaster response infrastructure across multiple scenarios and geographical regions.
Xavier Chang (張惇涵), secretary-general of the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, thanked students from Taipei Municipal Xinyi Elementary School (信義國小) for their inspiring opening performance and stressed the critical importance of seamless collaboration between central and local authorities. Chang emphasized that enhanced coordination strengthens societal resilience against natural disasters. Chang also called for increased support for first responders, stating that firefighters and police officers play crucial roles in disaster response and citizen protection. ◼