Ready to Deploy Immediately: Taiwan's 5-City Search and Rescue Teams Prepared for Kumamoto Earthquake Relief

On July 28, 2026, a magnitude 7.1 strong earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, causing widespread casualties and damage. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior announced yesterday (July 29) that the Special Search and Rescue Team under the National Fire Agency has completed packing all equipment and conducting inventory checks, and is now on standby to activate international rescue mechanisms and head to Kumamoto County to provide support.

Five municipal rescue teams mobilized simultaneously to ensure fastest possible deployment

According to the Ministry of the Interior's Facebook page, immediately after the Kumamoto earthquake, President Lai Qingde and Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed the preparation of search and rescue forces. The National Fire Agency's Special Search and Rescue Team then coordinated with fire departments from Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, Taipei City, Chiayi County, and Hsinchu City to launch a cross-regional mobilization. Once a formal assistance request is received from Japan, the teams will immediately fly to the disaster zone to begin rescue operations.

After receiving instructions, the rescue teams swiftly completed the highest-level mobilization preparations. This included inventorying and double-checking various rescue equipment, medical supplies, and specialized search devices, ensuring all materials were properly packed and ready for transport.

Japan's 7.1 earthquake in Kyushu: Taiwan's 5-city rescue teams complete preparations, awaiting deployment to Kumamoto for disaster relief (Image: Ministry of the Interior official Facebook)

The Ministry emphasized that Taiwan deeply remembers the warm assistance Japan extended during Taiwan's past disasters. This preparation ensures that once Japan's request is received, Taiwan can instantly activate international humanitarian aid mechanisms, deploy to the front lines of the disaster zone, and provide support. The Ministry also sincerely wishes safety for all regions of Japan and urges local residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan posts message, drawing widespread attention

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan subsequently posted the Ministry's update in Japanese on its official X (formerly Twitter) platform, emphasizing that Taiwan's fire rescue teams are deeply saddened by the Kumamoto earthquake and are fully prepared to provide support at any moment.

The post immediately attracted significant attention and an outpouring of emotional comments from Japanese netizens, expressing profound gratitude to Taiwan:

"Thank you so much, people of Taiwan."

"We are deeply grateful for Taiwan's care for Japan. The fact that you are preparing to send rescue personnel brings great comfort to the victims. The friendship between Japan and Taiwan is eternal."

"Dear friends in Taiwan, thank you so much! You are a truly reliable friendly nation! I love Taiwan!"

"Thank you for always standing by us in times of hardship, sorrow, and pain. We will never forget your support. Thank you, Taiwan."

"I traveled to Taiwan last year. From the elderly to the young, everyone was incredibly kind to me as a visitor—I will never forget it. Now, your kindness has moved me to tears. Thank you so much."

[Message from Taiwan's Fire Rescue Teams] We are deeply saddened by the earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture. We are on standby and ready to deploy if requested by Japan. Taiwan has not forgotten the warm support Japan has shown us. We sincerely pray for your safety and urge everyone to remain cautious of aftershocks.

📷 Provided by Ministry of the Interior pic.twitter.com/d3qtfxQ0Zs — Taiwan in Japan 台北駐日経済文化代表処 (@Taiwan_in_Japan) July 29, 2026