Taiwan is an island in an active earthquake zone and is also often affected by typhoons and intense seasonal rain. Mountain areas can have landslides and debris flows, while low areas and cities can face flooding. Coastal areas may also need to react to tsunami warnings after a strong offshore earthquake. Disaster management is shared between national agencies and local governments. National weather and earthquake services issue warnings, while city and county authorities organize evacuation, shelters, road closures, rescue, and local information. Fire and rescue teams, police, village leaders, building managers, and neighborhood groups all have practical roles. Warnings may arrive through mobile emergency alerts, television, radio, sirens, public announcements, and local government messages. A warning tells people that danger may be approaching, while an evacuation instruction tells people to leave a specific area or building. Follow official local instructions even when the sky looks calm. During a typhoon, strong wind, storm rain, flooding, and falling objects are the main dangers. Stay indoors, secure loose items before the storm, avoid mountain roads and flooded streets, and never walk or drive through moving water. Local decisions about schools, work, roads, and shelters should be checked through official announcements. During an earthquake, protect your head and body by dropping, taking cover, and holding on. Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects, and do not rush to stairs or elevators while the building is shaking. Afterward, expect aftershocks, check for fire or gas leaks only if it is safe, and follow building or local evacuation instructions. Heavy rain can trigger flooding, landslides, and 土石流, called debris flows or mud-and-rock flows. If authorities announce a danger area or evacuation, leave early and use the recommended route. Do not enter closed roads, riverbeds, mountain trails, or unstable slopes to look at the damage. After a strong or long earthquake near the coast, move away from the shore and toward higher ground if a tsunami warning or evacuation order is issued. Do not wait to watch the sea, and do not return until authorities say it is safe. People in coastal Taiwan should know their nearest inland or elevated route before an emergency. A basic household plan should include drinking water, food that needs little cooking, medicine, a flashlight, batteries or a power bank, first-aid supplies, masks, sturdy shoes, copies of important information, and a way to receive alerts. Agree on a meeting place, a contact outside the area, and a plan for children, older people, disabled people, and pets. In an emergency, call 119 for fire, rescue, or ambulance assistance and 110 for police help. Public shelters may be opened by local authorities, often in schools, public buildings, or community facilities. Keep instructions short and calm, help nearby people when it is safe, and leave damaged buildings to trained responders.
Disasters in Taiwan
Taiwan faces earthquakes, typhoons, very heavy rain, floods, landslides, debris flows, and some tsunami risk. Its disaster system combines national warnings with response by city and county governments, fire departments, police, and local communities. Knowing the alerts, preparing a small emergency kit, and following evacuation instructions are the most important first steps.
Tip
Create one emergency bag and one family contact plan for life in Taiwan, then practice the safest action for an earthquake and a typhoon. Save the emergency numbers 119 and 110, identify your nearest shelter or high-ground route, and set your phone to receive public alerts.