Taiwan’s international humanitarian search and rescue teams, fire department, and other relevant units held a charter flight drill for international humanitarian rescue projects at Taipei Songshan Airport on Friday.
Coinciding with September’s National Disaster Prevention Month, Taiwan’s special emergency teams held a special drill to help improve effectiveness in future operations. The drill was not only inter-departmental, including many relevant offices of the fire department, but also invited the disaster relief units from the United States and Japan to observe and provide advice.
10 special search and rescue teams arrived at Songshan Airport Friday morning, received simulated search and rescue instructions, assembled, boarded a China Airlines charter flight to Taoyuan International Airport, simulating entry and exit protocols. The exercise was conducted in line with international humanitarian rescue procedures, including entry and exit of search and rescue teams, separate registration of rescue dogs and rescue equipment, and expedited customs clearance.
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said that Taiwan embodies the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” and that these teams are ready to be dispatched at any time. Drawing a line between the 921 Jiji earthquake and the tragedy of the 2023 Türkiye quake, she said that Taiwan has gone from a country in need of rescue to being able to rescue others, thanks in part to the 20 to 30 years of drills. Regarding today’s drill, Liu says it’s clear that all members of Taiwan’s rescue teams from leaders to brave canine companions are ready to help when the call arises.