Taipei to stage joint response drill with New Taipei: Mayor Chiang

Taipei, Jan. 22 (CNA) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Thursday the city will hold a joint exercise with New Taipei after concluding a response drill simulating an indiscriminate attack at Taipei Main Station in the afternoon.

According to the city government, the exercise that began at 2 p.m. simulated multiple assailants throwing smoke grenades on the platforms and indiscriminately attacking people before fleeing to the station's underground shopping area.

At 2:18 p.m., emergency alerts were sent to phones within a 1-kilometer radius of the scene, informing them in Chinese and English that a "drill" was taking place and advising them to remain calm, seek nearby cover, and avoid gathering or crowding.

Speaking to reporters, Chiang praised the drill as thorough, well-organized, and successfully executed, expressing his highest respect and gratitude to all those involved in the exercise and its planning.

The drill integrated the city's railway and metro, underground malls, as well as various resources from central, local, and private agencies, he said.

This was the second phase of response drills initiated after the deadly incident in Taipei on Dec. 19 last year, he said, noting that it was larger and more complex than the previous exercise held last month at MRT Taipei City Hall Station.

The drills are aimed at ensuring that the public remains vigilant during unexpected incidents, the mayor said, reminding them to follow the "Escape, Hide, Report" principle, which is move away from danger or find a safe place immediately, avoid gathering or taking photos, and then assist by reporting the incident.

Meanwhile, Chiang also revealed that the third phase of drills will be held in conjunction with New Taipei before the Lunar New Year holiday in February, again simulating multiple assailants carrying out attacks across various transportation sites.

The exact date, however, was not disclosed.

The Taipei incident last year highlighted the importance of raising public awareness of civil defense measures and called for strengthened joint safety drills, he added.