TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will conduct nationwide earthquake and tsunami drills on Friday, sending real-time alerts to mobile phones and helping the public practice emergency response and evacuation procedures.
The Central Weather Administration on Wednesday said that, in coordination with National Disaster Prevention Day, Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) alerts simulating earthquake and tsunami events will be issued on Friday morning, per CNA.
The drills will use simulated earthquake scenarios and educational campaigns to teach proper responses, strengthening rescue capabilities. They will also support government agencies and civic organizations in enhancing overall disaster preparedness.
The simulated earthquake is set for 9:21 a.m. off Taiwan’s eastern coast near the Ryukyu Trench, with a magnitude of 8.5, a maximum intensity of 6+ (violent), and a depth of 10 km. This event will trigger a simulated tsunami threat.
During the drill, CBS will send real-time disaster information to mobile phones to ensure the public is familiar with alerts and evacuation procedures. The cell broadcast messages will occur in three stages:
- 9:21 a.m.: Nationwide earthquake alert test.
- 9:30 a.m.: Tsunami warning test for coastal areas.
- 10 a.m.: Tsunami warning cancellation test.
In coordination with the Ministry of Education, schools and kindergartens nationwide will conduct earthquake evacuation drills. Students and young children will practice the “Drop, cover, hold on” steps to strengthen self-protection and earthquake survival skills.
