Premier Sean Chen on July 17 instructed the Ministry of the Interior to improve tsunami warnings by outfitting air raid siren stations in coastal areas with remote control or voice broadcasting functions. He also directed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to submit by October a plan for installing storm-warning radars in the lowlands of the Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan region.
Presiding over a disaster-management seminar for chiefs of local governments, Chen gave the orders in response to suggestions by officials from Yilan County and Yunlin County to install such facilities.
In his opening remarks, Chen also said many Cabinet members are quite experienced and knowledgeable in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation, emergency rescue and evacuation, and post-disaster reconstruction. The seminar therefore provides excellent opportunities for central and local government officials to exchange views and deepen their understanding of disaster management so as to better protect the lives and properties of citizens, the premier added.
According to the Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management, Tuesday's seminar was the third such annual event for local authorities. This year's discussion topics included weather outlooks, military disaster relief operations, decision-making strategies for commanding officers, and key determining factors for school and work closings. Premier Chen also presented plaques to recognize the local governments' outstanding performances in disaster prevention and rescue drills.