New Taipei City joins Tokyo disaster drill to boost rescue capabilities

New Taipei City's international search and rescue team traveled to Japan to participate in the "2026 Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Disaster Prevention Drill." The team engaged in disaster response exchanges with the Tokyo Fire Department and other member cities of the Network for Crisis Management (CMC).

The drill, held from July 1st to 6th, simulated a large-scale flood scenario triggered by a typhoon. It involved international search and rescue teams from Taipei, Seoul, and Tokyo, alongside the Tokyo Fire Department, Japan's Self-Defense Forces, and police. The exercise focused on validating real-time rescue capabilities through cross-border cooperation, particularly in response to extreme weather events.

“

Tokyo Fire Department's disaster safety education introduces major cases of fire department personnel's sacrifice over the years and preserves carbonized clothing of sacrificed firefighters in fire scenes, reminding us to avoid similar incidents and serving as a reference for disaster prevention education and risk management.

During the event, New Taipei City's team, led by Huang Di-sheng, a technical specialist from the city's Disaster Prevention and Protection Office, visited Tokyo's crisis management officials. They exchanged views on disaster prevention strategies and urban resilience. The team also observed drills at the Tokyo Fire Department, learning about Japan's professional safety education and disaster response measures.

This participation is part of New Taipei City's "disaster prevention diplomacy" efforts to increase Taiwan's international visibility. By collaborating with international partners and participating in drills, the city aims to enhance its capabilities in responding to complex and compound disasters, especially in light of increasing typhoon risks shared with Japan.

“

Japan and Taiwan are both high-risk areas for typhoons and have been hit by strong typhoons multiple times in recent years, facing similar challenges of wind and flood disasters. Through exchanges and drills, New Taipei City has absorbed Japan's experience in disaster management, accident rescue, and occupational safety, while also training with rescue teams from various countries to enhance rescue techniques and collaborative capabilities.