Taiwan to conduct National Disaster Prevention Day emergency drills

Taiwan will observe National Disaster Prevention Day on September 21, featuring a series of large-scale emergency alert drills. The Central Weather Administration plans to trigger three stages of Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) messages: an earthquake alert at 9:21 AM simulating a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Taitung, a tsunami warning for coastal areas at 9:30 AM, and a tsunami warning cancellation at 10:00 AM.

Authorities emphasize that these alerts will be clearly marked with “【115年國家防災日演習】” (National Disaster Prevention Day Drill) to prevent panic. In Pingtung County, the Hengchun Police Station has clarified that the tsunami drill is a system test only and will not involve traffic control or mandatory evacuations.

In conjunction with the drills, various educational activities are being held to promote disaster literacy. In Taipei, the Fire Department and Da-Yeh University have organized interactive booths and community fairs. These events focus on practical skills such as CPR, AED operation, fire safety, and earthquake response techniques like “drop, cover, and hold on,” aiming to integrate disaster preparedness into daily life.