TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan faces a critical shortfall in disaster preparedness training with only 70,000 people trained toward the government's year-end goal of 100,000 Disaster Relief Volunteers (防災士). Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (佛教慈濟慈善事業基金會) deputy director Sean Tan (陳祖淞) warned Thursday (Oct. 30) that the island urgently needs 30,000 more trained volunteers to strengthen disaster resilience.
Tan addressed disaster awareness at the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), Taiwan's social enterprise forum, emphasizing the urgent need for widespread public participation in disaster preparedness. Taiwan faces frequent climate-related disasters requiring enhanced community resilience through volunteer training programs. The deputy director of Tzu Chi's Global Partnership and Youth Development Office (全球合作暨青年發展室) stressed the critical timing for achieving government targets.
Tan cited the recent landslide dam incident in Hualien Guangfu Township (光復鄉) that affected over 1,000 homes as evidence of Taiwan's vulnerability. Volunteers from across the island mobilized to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts from the mud. The incident demonstrated both community solidarity and the critical need for more trained personnel in disaster relief.
Tzu Chi's Philippines disaster response after 2013 Typhoon Haiyan (海燕) demonstrates effective community mobilization through cash-for-work programs. The initiative expanded from 200 to over 10,000 participants, enabling the swift cleanup of devastated Tacloban City.
Tan cited Tzu Chi's comprehensive 2024 Hualien earthquake response, providing aid from emergency shelters to permanent housing reconstruction. The foundation demonstrated cross-religious collaboration by supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Tan highlighted Tzu Chi's nine-year partnership with Impact Hub at SEWF2025, promoting societal well-being through youth-led initiatives. He emphasized universal humanitarian values transcending religious boundaries for global societal betterment. ◼