TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Monday honored 24 individuals for their outstanding contributions to Taiwan’s search and rescue operations and emphasized the government’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into disaster response, per CNA.
Speaking at an event organized by the National Rescue Command Center, Cho commended 20 public sector personnel and four civilians for their heroism in mountain, maritime, and disaster rescue operations. He said the honorees exemplified bravery and teamwork, adding that the government would continue working with the public to “jointly protect the precious lives on our land.”
Cho personally presented awards to each recipient, underscoring the government’s determination to promote “smart search and rescue.” Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) and National Fire Agency Director General Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章) also attended the ceremony.
The premier expressed gratitude to all front-line responders, citing their work during recent typhoons, torrential rains, and landslide dam incidents between July and September. He recalled meeting nine workers at the Mataian Creek landslide dam in Hualien, whose efforts helped gather crucial data for emergency operations.
Cho said the government is investing in AI-based disaster response, including robotic dogs, unmanned vehicles, and autonomous rescue robots, with related projects included in next year’s central government budget. Taiwan, he added, has both the technological capability and infrastructure to become a “digital service powerhouse.”
Interior Minister Liu praised the dedication of search and rescue workers, particularly those responding to Typhoon Danas in Hualien. She said Taiwan’s disaster relief system now integrates technology, interagency cooperation, and public-private partnerships.
The center said in a press release that AI tools are already being used to improve dispatch decision-making. Drones with AI image recognition analyze complex terrain, while a cross-agency platform allows real-time sharing of air and sea resource data. The system improves rescue efficiency and predicts high-risk areas, enabling faster and more precise responses.
