TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City conducted a disaster response drill Friday at Xinzhuang Sports Park, simulating rescue operations by firefighters and medical teams after a magnitude 8 earthquake.
The drill mobilized more than 900 firefighters and rescue personnel, with 100 vehicles, a helicopter, and drones. It also involved setting up emergency response and supply stations in the park, per CNA. A simulated disaster command center was also established on-site.
The exercise further simulated partial building collapses in the city’s Wenzizun Redevelopment Zone, where firefighters conducted search and rescue operations. In addition, a shelter drill was held at a community center in Xinzhuang District, simulating post-quake conditions such as water and power outages.
Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) attended the drill and said he hoped the exercise would help assess the efficiency of disaster response and personnel mobilization to strengthen the city’s post-disaster capabilities. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) also observed the drill.
Every year on or just before Sept. 21, local governments and schools below the high school level conduct earthquake drills that simulate evacuation, fire response, and post-disaster rescue operations.
On Friday, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited National Lan-Yang Girls' Senior High School to observe students participating in an earthquake drill. He also inspected the county’s post-disaster response setup at Yilan Sports Park, which included shelters, medical response drills, and supply stations.
