Taipei: A three-day disaster response exercise commenced in eastern Taiwan, simulating a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 that disrupted transportation links and tested the authorities' capability in delivering aid and restoring critical infrastructure.
According to Focus Taiwan, this exercise, which runs until Saturday, is a part of Taiwan's annual earthquake drills conducted every September and October. These drills commemorate National Disaster Prevention Day on September 21, marking the anniversary of Taiwan's devastating 1999 Jiji earthquake.
The drill scenario involved a significant earthquake along the southern segment of the earthquake-prone Huatung Longitudinal Valley Fault, resulting in widespread road closures and isolating multiple communities in eastern Taiwan. In response, officials utilized Hualien County's Hoping Industrial Port as the primary rescue hub, where personnel practiced procedures for receiving foreign vessels, customs processing, coastal defense, and managing fuel and supply logistics, as well as cross-regional road and rail transport.
At the Hoping Power Plant, participants engaged in a coordinated response to a simulated earthquake-induced ammonia leak and tank fire. Plant staff practiced reducing power generation while crews equipped with hazardous materials protective gear worked to stop the leak and extinguish the fire.
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang addressed reporters while inspecting the drill, highlighting that the exercise involved over 1,300 participants from various central and local government agencies. The Interior Ministry reported that the drill attracted more than 200 international observers, including staff from foreign representative offices and delegates attending the second Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum hosted by the Presidential Office over the weekend.