The Executive Yuan's Office of Disaster Management today released a report on disasters and accidents, government responses, and human and property losses in Taiwan in 2012. The report also offered analyses and recommendations on natural and manmade disasters as a reference for all levels of government in promoting prevention and rescue measures.
Concerning typhoons, a total of 25 took shape in the Western Pacific in 2012, with three striking Taiwan (both sea and land warnings issued). These figures are comparable to the annual averages of 25.7 and 3.6 typhoons, respectively, from 1971 to 2011. The Central Emergency Operation Center set up operations nine times and worked 559 hours this year. The typhoons promoted the evacuation of 35,701 persons, claimed 16 lives and caused NT$13 billion (US$433 million) in losses. The bill for reconstruction work tallied to NT$11.3 billion (US$377 million).
With regard to fires, a total of 1,460 occurred in 2012, which is a decrease of 10.1 percent from last year. The number of people who died from the fires reached 138, a year-on-year increase of 60 percent. Arson (27 cases) and suicide (18 cases) were the main causes of fires.
In transportation accidents, those occurring on land and causing more than 10 injuries or fatalities numbered seven, with the most severe events being the Hsuehshan Tunnel fire on May 7 and the tour bus that plunged into a ravine in Hsinchu County December 9. Accidents in the water totaled 83 cases and brought about 25 deaths and 15 injuries. Compared with past years, 2012 saw fewer marine accidents and fewer casualties, most of which can be attributed to collisions at sea or mechanical failure. Nine aviation accidents happened this year, the most serious of which was the ROC Aviation Co. plane crash that resulted in three deaths.
Although more road sections were damaged by natural disasters this year than in 2010 or 2011, no casualties were reported. This indicates that preemptive measures to close traffic in dangerous areas have effectively reduced deaths and injuries.
On the whole, Taiwan saw improved responses to natural disasters such as the June 10 flood, Typhoon Saola and Typhoon Tembin, with lower human and property tolls being recorded. Nevertheless, fire casualties increased despite a drop in the number of fires, and there were more incidents of class-A land and air transportation accidents. Government authorities will continue pushing stronger measures for disaster mitigation, preparation and emergency management.