Premier Sean Chen on June 16 attended a briefing at the Central Bureau Weather (CWB) to hear the latest updates on Typhoon Guchol and earthquake alert systems.
The premier said Guchol is expected to bring torrential rainfall, whether it comes to Taiwan or heads north away from the island (triggering southwesterly airflow). After the rain-induced floods of June 10 wreaked havoc on southern Taiwan, the government is sparing no effort to ensure people's safety and minimize further damage. Citizens are also urged to remain on the alert.
Chen pointed out that Taiwan has seen fewer numbers of rainy days in recent years, but overall precipitation amounts have increased as severe rainstorms become more frequent. Though the forces of nature can be frightening, the premier pledged to make full use of human resources and capabilities to prevent and mitigate the impact of such disasters.
During the briefing at the CWB, Premier Chen was accompanied by Vice Premier Jiang Yi-huah; Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Yeh Kuang-shih; and Executive Yuan Spokesman Hu Yu-wei, Deputy Secretary-General Steven Chen, and Office of Disaster Management Director Shih Tseng-kang. The briefing included an analysis on southwesterly air currents associated with Typhoon Guchol as well as the latest reports on earthquake alert operations and recent seismic activities.