TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Hualien County Government will hold a disaster response drill Thursday afternoon, closing a temporary bridge in Guangfu Township, CNA reported.
The exercise will take place between Guangfu and Fenglin townships to simulate a landslide-dam emergency. The Mataian River temporary bridge will be closed from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic controls in place.
The drill aims to strengthen emergency response capacity and protect lives and property in riverside communities. It will test coordination across agencies, including evacuation, field deployment, and communication.
Liberty Times reported that officials have notified local offices, schools, and businesses in advance. Participants will be granted official leave to take part.
Access to the Guangfu warning zone will be restricted for vehicles and pedestrians during the drill. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes.
Guangfu Railway Station is within the exercise zone, and passengers arriving between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. will be directed to evacuate to the second floor. Officials warned traffic controls near the station may disrupt travel and advised avoiding the area, per CTEE.
Emergency alert systems will also be tested to raise public awareness. Mobile alerts will be sent in parts of Guangfu, Fenglin, and Wanrong and will be clearly marked as a test, CTS News reported.
The landslide-dam alarm will sound in five-second cycles nine times, followed by a 90-second tone ending the alert. Officials said the drill may cause temporary inconvenience and urged residents to follow instructions.
