Taipei authorities have cancelled the popular Lunar New Year market on Dihua Street due to concerns over COVID-19. But the area remains busy, with Taipei residents continuing to visit for their New Year shopping. And local fire services are pushing forward with preparation for the festive period.
Chaos reigns on Taipei’s Dihua Street after a gas pipe breaks and flames engulf a market stall. But though the fire is real, the emergency isn’t.
Local fire services are carrying out training drills after authorities cancelled the area’s popular Lunar New Year street market. They practice cutting through doors to save trapped inhabitants and using ladders to rescue people ‘stuck’ on rooftops. And all the while, a drone watches over them.
Fire department deputy chief Hsu Chih-min says it’s essential preparation.
The drone is used to monitor the rescue process, Hsu explains. He says the goal is to provide a safe environment for market vendors and their customers.
Authorities have cancelled the area’s famous New Year’s market due to concerns about COVID-19. But shopping district manager Hsu Ch'ing Ch'i isn’t worried.
The cancellation hasn’t had much of an impact, he says. And stores are selling more online.
Whether it’s fire safety or pandemic prevention, businesses are working hard to give shoppers peace of mind.