Eastern Taiwan Simulates Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake in Disaster Drill
On Sept. 17, authorities in eastern Taiwan launched a three-day disaster response exercise simulating a magnitude 7.3 earthquake along the Huatung Longitudinal Valley Fault, testing emergency logistics, infrastructure restoration, and cross-regional aid delivery as part of National Disaster Prevention Day preparations.
Simulating Catastrophic Rupture Along the Huatung Fault
The annual earthquake drill kicked off on a Thursday, utilizing a high-impact scenario designed to test regional resilience. According to the Executive Yuan, the simulated tremor struck the southern segment of the earthquake-prone Huatung Longitudinal Valley Fault. The hypothetical event generated widespread road closures and effectively isolated several communities across eastern Taiwan.
Taiwan’s earthquake drills form a comprehensive two-month campaign held every September and October. These exercises specifically mark National Disaster Prevention Day on Sept. 21, serving as a solemn annual commemoration of the devastating 1999 Jiji earthquake.
Mobilizing Industrial Ports and Power Infrastructure
To counter simulated supply chain failures and severed transportation networks, emergency managers established Hualien County’s Hoping Industrial Port as a primary rescue hub. Personnel on the ground practiced receiving foreign vessels, executing customs processing, managing coastal defense, handling fuel and supply logistics, and coordinating cross-regional road and rail transport.
At the Hoping Power Plant, crews faced a secondary crisis within the simulation: an earthquake-induced ammonia leak and tank fire. Plant staff immediately reduced power generation while specialized teams outfitted in hazardous materials protective gear entered the facility to stop the leak and extinguish the flames.
Government Inspection and International Observation
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang inspected the ongoing operations and spoke to reporters, noting that the comprehensive exercise brought together more than 1,300 participants from various central and local government agencies. The exercise also drew significant international attention. According to the Interior Ministry, the drill hosted more than 200 international observers. This delegation included foreign representative office staff and delegates attending the second Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum, which was hosted by the Presidential Office over the weekend.
