Typhoon Approaches, Premier Cho Urges Local Governments to Accelerate Ditch Clearing to Reduce Disaster Risks

(CNA, Taipei, July 9) With Typhoon Bavi approaching Taiwan, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today that rescue personnel totaling 6,662 have been mobilized nationwide, and 173 areas prone to isolation have completed preparations. The military has also planned for 28,922 troops to be on standby. He urged local governments to utilize the final preparation time before the typhoon's arrival to accelerate ditch clearing and fully mitigate disaster risks.

The Central Weather Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced today that if Bavi's speed and path remain largely unchanged, a marine typhoon warning is expected to be issued at 2:30 PM, followed by a land warning early tomorrow morning.

Following reports on typhoon Bavi response measures by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of the Interior at the Executive Yuan meeting today, Premier Cho stated on Facebook that the typhoon is expected to have the most severe impact on Taiwan tomorrow and the day after, bringing significant wind and rain. The administrative team has entered a full preparation state, and everyone is urged to remain vigilant and prepare for the typhoon.

Cho mentioned that on July 7, he instructed Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Chun-han and Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng to initiate cross-ministerial and 22-county/city government flood prevention preparation meetings, demanding that central and local governments implement various disaster prevention measures, enhance response efficiency, and fully protect the lives and property of the public.

Regarding the deployment of current disaster prevention preparations, he stated: 1. The government has completed disaster communication preparations, equipped 920 satellite phones, and conducted communication tests for all levels of emergency response centers. 2. Nationwide rescue personnel totaling 6,662, 4,497 rescue vehicles, 1,254 boats, and 24 helicopters are on standby. 3. Preparations for supplies, communication, and shelter have been completed in 173 areas prone to isolation.

4. Cho stated that the military has planned for 28,922 troops to be on standby, conducting various preparatory tasks and preparing to participate in rescue missions. 5. 1,892 large mobile water pumps have been prepared, with 996 pre-positioned at flood-prone hotspots. 6. For railways, highways, and bridges prone to disasters, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has been asked to implement precautionary controls as needed and closely monitor maritime and air traffic dynamics, including to and from outlying islands.

Concerning the landslide lake in the Wanli River, Hualien, Cho stated that relevant ministries have been instructed to work with the Hualien County Government to closely monitor risks and carry out evacuations according to the alert level. Simultaneously, it is imperative to confirm the list of protected households to ensure public safety.

Cho also reminded local governments to seize the final preparation time before the typhoon's arrival to accelerate ditch clearing, especially in areas affected by the heavy rainfall on June 25, to fully reduce disaster risks.

He added that as of the end of June, the Ministry of the Interior has trained over 150,000 disaster prevention specialists, continuously strengthening the disaster resilience of the entire population. (Editor: Chih Ssu-chia) 0709

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