Taiwan ready to send rescue teams to quake-hit Kumamoto within 4 hours

Taiwan stands ready to deploy specialized search and rescue teams to assist Japan after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang announced that teams are on standby and can depart within four hours of receiving a request.

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The National Fire Agency has been preparing, and since last night, we have had teams on standby, including those from Tainan, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and even Kaohsiung.

"The National Fire Agency has been preparing, and since last night, we have had teams on standby, including those from Tainan, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and even Kaohsiung," Liu stated. She noted that the teams are fully equipped and prepared to mobilize quickly.

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Although Kaohsiung is not a rotating search and rescue team, because Kaohsiung City is a sister city to Kumamoto City, the mayor specifically requested their search and rescue team to be prepared.

While Kaohsiung is not typically part of the rotating search and rescue teams, its mayor specifically requested its team be ready. This is due to Kaohsiung's sister city relationship with Kumamoto. "Although Kaohsiung is not a rotating search and rescue team, because Kaohsiung City is a sister city to Kumamoto City, the mayor specifically requested their search and rescue team to be prepared," Liu explained.

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As far as we understand, following the earthquake in Kumamoto internationally, there may be aftershocks, or even larger earthquakes.

Liu emphasized Taiwan's commitment to international aid, particularly in disaster situations. "As far as we understand, following the earthquake in Kumamoto internationally, there may be aftershocks, or even larger earthquakes," she said. Taiwan's readiness reflects its proactive stance in offering support to nations facing natural disasters.

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If there is a need, we can depart within four hours!