Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim observes urban resilience drill in Kaohsiung

Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to Kaohsiung on August 7th to observe a city resilience drill, also known as an air defense exercise. The drill, part of the 2026 Urban Resilience initiative, focused on the operational readiness of disaster prevention coordination centers.

During the exercise, personnel followed established protocols for drills, equipment checks, and video communications. Hsiao Bi-khim, accompanied by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and Minister-without-Portfolio Jiunn-rong Yeh, visited the Cijin District Office. District Chief Huang Po-hsiung briefed them on the coordination center's mission and organizational structure before the practical simulation.

“

Thank you everyone, you worked hard.

Minister Jiunn-rong Yeh explained that according to disaster prevention law, all 368 townships nationwide must establish disaster prevention coordination centers. These centers are crucial for assisting township-level response centers with three major tasks: evacuation, establishing shelters, and distributing supplies. Yeh emphasized that these functions often exceed the capacity of the primary response centers and rely heavily on civilian support, operating in a volunteer capacity.

The drill included participation from various civilian groups, with individuals volunteering for task forces. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim listened intently to the briefing by District Chief Huang Po-hsiung at the disaster prevention coordination center. The exercise underscored the importance of community involvement and volunteerism in enhancing Taiwan's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

“

These three tasks cannot be handled by the response center alone and require the support of township-level civilian forces, operating in a volunteer capacity.