臺北市新住民專區網站英文版

1. Given that the "Datun Volcano Group" has been confirmed by researchers as an active volcano with a magma chamber, the Fire Department of this city commissioned a study titled "Research on the Emergency Response Mechanism for Volcanic Disasters in Taipei City" from National Taiwan University in 2012. This study established emergency response protocols, including a "Volcanic Warning Signal Classification Table" and a "Volcanic Disaster Evacuation Procedure."

2. On September 4, 2017, the Taipei City Fire Department also invited relevant agencies, including the Office of Disaster Management, National Fire Agency, the National Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR), the Central Weather Bureau, Geological Survey of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Director Lin Cheng-hung of Taiwan Volcano Observatory at Tatu, to discuss the emergency response mechanisms for volcanic disasters.

3. Following the Legislative Yuan's approval on November 7, 2017, to include volcanic disasters in the Disaster Prevention and Relief Act as a type of natural disaster, the Ministry of the Interior was designated as the competent authority for disaster prevention and relief. The Fire Department is also in the process of drafting the "Datun Volcano Disaster Prevention and Response Plan" and conducted relevant drills and tabletop exercises in 2018, inviting central agencies to participate. These exercises aimed to evaluate various response strategies, evacuation procedures, and shelter arrangements in case of a volcanic disaster, with relevant information updated annually.

4. Based on international practices and research, volcanic activity has a latent period, which means the response time can be relatively lengthy. The emergency response measures for volcanic disasters implemented by this government are as follows:

(1) If a volcanic disaster occurs or is deemed likely, the Fire Department will report to the Mayor according to the established "Datun Volcano Disaster Prevention and Response Plan," detailing the scale of the disaster, conditions, and needs for disaster relief. City and district disaster response centers will then be established to coordinate and command the various resources needed for disaster relief.

(2) The government will announce and delineate controlled zones, restricting or prohibiting access for the public and vehicles. Prompt and appropriate emergency alert measures will be enacted, with residents evacuated and directed to safe shelters based on the situation. Various measures and

assistance will be provided to ensure proper accommodation for affected residents, thereby safeguarding the lives of citizens. (3) If the scale of the disaster is beyond the government's capacity to manage, the city’s disaster response center may request support from the central government, other counties or cities, or military forces, as per relevant regulations. If necessary, cross-county evacuation and sheltering measures may also be implemented.

(4) Ongoing management of air pollution caused by volcanic ash will be addressed, including the suspension of classes and the establishment of standards for aircraft takeoffs and landings, as well as improving water quality and supply mechanisms, health mitigation measures, and the removal of mud.

(5) During the recovery phase following a disaster, mechanisms for medium- and long-term accommodation and assistance for disaster victims will be developed.

5. The department has conducted training sessions on July 26, 2020, November 4, 2021, September 7 and 8, 2022, and September 12, 2023, targeting community leaders, neighborhood wardens, disaster prevention personnel, emergency responders, schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, nursing homes, and facilities for the elderly and individuals with disabilities in or near the Shilin and Beitou potential hazard zones. Training sessions will continue to be scheduled annually.

6. Each year, in collaboration with the Datun Volcano Observation Station, the department sets up booths during the "119 Disaster Prevention Promotion Activities" and "National Disaster Prevention Day Education Promotion Activities" to engage the public in a lively and comprehensible manner about the impacts of volcanic disasters.

Source: Fire Department, Taipei City Government