25 Years On: President Lai Vows to Bolster Taiwan’s Disaster Defenses on Anniversary of Devastating Earthquake
President Lai on 25th Anniversary of September 21 Earthquake: Govt to Continue Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
Real Time Center/Reporting by Chen Xiang and Yan Yixuan
The National Disaster Prevention Day special event for the 25th anniversary of the 921 earthquake was held in the rain today at the “Earthquake Education Park” (formerly Guangfu Junior High School of Zhong County), Wufeng District, Taichung City. President Lai said in his speech that September 21 is an unforgettable day for Taiwan, facing the challenges of compound natural disasters, the government will consolidate efforts at all levels to raise national disaster prevention awareness and strengthen disaster prevention.
Lai Qingde noted that September 21 is a day that all Taiwanese people will never forget because 25 years ago today, the 921 earthquake took many precious lives and the day after the earthquake that year had a huge impact on Taiwanese society; many countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Canada, USA, came to the earthquake site to provide disaster relief the next day.
Lai Qingde said that he is very happy that today, after 25 years, the emissaries or rescue teams from various countries who came to Taiwan for help have returned to Taiwan, so he will use this rare opportunity to thank his 120,000 all on behalf of the Chinese people.
Lai Qingde pointed out that fortunately the earthquake occurred early in the morning and no students were in class, so the main campus was saved and everyone was shocked after seeing it. This park reminds us of the importance of disaster prevention for our countrymen. I would like to thank the Ministry, many experts and scholars as well as city governments, parliaments and even local mayors for their support.
Lai Qingde noted that in order to reduce the disaster and impact of earthquakes, the government has improved the earthquake resistance standards of houses and set up an earthquake early warning system with alarm cell text messages to remind the public to be prepared for protection. Today is also designated as “National Disaster Prevention Day” every year and is committed to organizing earthquake and disaster prevention drills every year and promoting disaster prevention education.
Lai Ching-te stressed that the impact of global climate change and the challenges of compounding natural disasters are important issues for any country and must be proactively responded to, so he established two committees at the Presidential Palace to include addressing climate change. The Committee, as well as the National Defense Resilience Committee, hopes that by bringing together industry, government, academia and research, we can jointly address the problem of climate change, or prevent and recover from the various disasters caused by it.
Regarding future disaster prevention policy and thinking, Lai Qingde believes that in peacetime, be prepared for danger and continue to raise public awareness of disaster prevention to strengthen the disaster prevention system and build stronger resilience at all levels of life so that the country has more strength, people have more confidence. and can deal with a wide variety of challenges.
President Lai would like to once again thank our partners at home and abroad for their support and contributions to Taiwan. He reiterated, “For a safer and more resilient future, I hope we will continue to cooperate closely and work together.”