TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese communications equipment maker Icom has donated 20 portable radios to improve communications in earthquake-damaged Taroko National Park, CNA reported Wednesday.
The donation is worth more than NT$1 million (US$31,000). The radios can switch between two communications systems, helping park workers stay in contact in remote mountain areas.
Taroko National Park Headquarters Director Liu Shou-li (劉守禮) said the earthquake exposed problems with the park’s aging communications system. He said mobile phone signals are weak or unavailable in many remote mountain areas.
Liu said workers in some areas must rely on satellite phones and radios because mobile signals are unreliable. Icom later offered to donate new radios, while the park’s system was upgraded to support the equipment.
The new radios will first be used by engineers, mountain patrol workers, and emergency rescue teams during damage inspections, repair work, and rescue operations.
Icom department head Shinya Terasaki said stable communications are important for disaster recovery. He said they help command centers coordinate work, support quick responses, and protect workers in the field.
Terasaki said the radios can provide more flexible and stable communications in difficult terrain and emergencies. CTS News reported that Icom also donated 50 radios to the Hualien County Fire Department two years ago.
