Faced with relentless typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, Taiwan has built one of the world’s most advanced disaster response systems, blending cutting-edge AI with decades of hands-on experience to protect lives and infrastructure.

On April 3, 2024, Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake since 1999, leaving at least 18 dead and more than 1,100 injured. Yet the toll could have been far worse without the island’s stringent earthquake-resistant building codes and advanced disaster response systems.

By contrast, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria in February 2023 claimed more than 55,000 lives and left nearly 130,000 injured, igniting severe backlash toward Türkiye’s “construction amnesty” laws, which gave occupancy permits to over 7 million buildings otherwise built illegally.

Taiwan is no stranger to natural disasters. Typhoons and torrential downpours are a fact of life here, and the island experiences between 700 and 2,000 perceptible earthquakes each year, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, these hazards increasingly intersect with Taiwan’s seismic activity, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.

In response, Taiwan has developed a robust system of technological innovation, rapid information dissemination, meticulous planning, and coordinated cross-departmental communication. Community resilience and on-the-ground expertise further strengthen the island’s ability to weather these challenges. Taiwan is not just reactive, but deeply adaptable in the face of crises.

Vigilance is essential, but true resilience lies in proactive preparedness. Taiwan has embraced this philosophy by integrating artificial intelligence into its disaster response and prevention systems. AI-driven technologies enhance early warning capabilities, streamline emergency coordination, and optimize resource deployment, ensuring the island remains in a constant state of readiness and distinguishing its disaster preparedness as among the most advanced worldwide.

As a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing, Taiwan is uniquely positioned to invest in and benefit from the increasingly powerful chips driving AI prediction models. In July last year, the Executive Yuan approved a NT$3.09 billion (US$94.1 million) plan to utilize AI to manage flooding risks from typhoons and other weather events, according to the Water Resources Agency. The plan includes virtual disaster simulations that assess potential scenarios and strategically deploy relief resources – ranging from food aid to personnel and equipment – where they are needed most.

Most critically, AI enhances early warning systems, providing government agencies with more accurate and timely disaster predictions. For instance, as Tropical Storm Bebinca approached in September last year, local weather forecasters used AI models to forecast its trajectory and severity, enabling authorities to prepare communities effectively, Reuters reported. AI models can also analyze seismic data to identify patterns that may precede earthquakes, while AI-driven satellite imaging and meteorological models refine typhoon path and intensity forecasts. Additionally, AI plays a vital role in Taiwan’s flood forecasting system, predicting water levels in urban areas and rivers to help authorities take preemptive measures. Natural disasters are inevitable, but AI helps Taiwan stay one step ahead.

AI-assisted early detection also plays a crucial role in monitoring landslide-prone areas and evaluating the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and roads for potential vulnerabilities. Taiwan’s National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC), a division of the Hsinchu Science Park-based National Applied Research Laboratories, leverages AI to process real-time satellite imagery, enabling rapid damage assessment and informing swift response efforts.

The CWA, under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, is one of the leading organizations that consistently use AI and data-driven machine learning to assist with disaster preparedness and day-to-day operations.

“A new high-performance computer system has been established to integrate dense observations and high-speed computing,” says Chen Shin-gan, chief of the CWA’s Technology Development Division. This system continuously enhances the accuracy of local weather forecasts.

In recent years, the CWA has developed AI application techniques related to weather forecasting and monitoring, such as warning guidance for short-term forecasts and post-processing methods for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. AI techniques enhance the accuracy, speed, and predictive capabilities of NWP models, which are all objective tools critical to weather forecasting.

More than 15 typhoon track forecasts derived from machine learning-based weather prediction models are now used as supplementary guidance in typhoon forecasting operations. The CWA has also partnered with Nvidia to develop an AI-driven downscaling technique known as the Generative Correction Diffusion Model, or CorrDiff. This technology enhances the horizontal resolution of global numerical weather prediction models from 25 kilometers to 2 kilometers, significantly improving forecasting accuracy.

High waves, destructive winds, and intense rainfall are all hallmarks of a typhoon, often impacting multiple communities with different emergencies at once. A direct hit on Hualien could coincide with severe flooding in Yilan and landslides in surrounding mountainous areas. Accurate weather forecasts are essential for government and emergency agencies to coordinate effective preparations and responses.

Chen notes that the CWA is incorporating radar data into a convective-scale model to enhance short-term heavy rainfall forecasts. By leveraging big data and AI techniques, the administration aims to improve the accuracy of heavy rainfall advisories and quantitative precipitation forecasts.

When the CWA issues a severe weather warning or reports a significant earthquake, it notifies the Executive Yuan and various disaster prevention agencies and organizations. These include the Ministries of the Interior (MOI), Economic Affairs, Transportation and Communications, and Agriculture, as well as local governments in affected regions. While this information dissemination may seem broad, rapid and comprehensive communication is essential for effective planning and a coordinated response.

When a predictable disaster such as a typhoon approaches, the CWA provides critical information, including wind and rainfall forecasts and projected storm paths. If the probability of landfall is high or the anticipated impact of wind and rain is severe, the MOI will activate a central disaster response.

For its part, the CWA supplies weather risk assessments to local governments, enabling them to determine whether to open their own response centers, suspend work and classes, conduct preventive evacuations, inspect pumping stations and embankments in flood-prone areas, advise the public to stockpile supplies, and strengthen community inspections. These measures encourage proactive preparedness to minimize disaster-related risks.

Reform at its finest

In 2009, Taiwan was devastated by Typhoon Morakot, prompting an amendment to the Disaster Prevention and Relief Act in 2010 to formalize the military’s role in disaster relief efforts. But even before then, in 2006, the Central Disaster Response Center adopted the U.S. Emergency Support Functions (ESF) model, streamlining resource coordination by aligning response efforts across government ministries.

This framework has facilitated the adoption and later further adaptation of the U.S. Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program to enhance disaster preparedness, refine rescue drills, and improve overall response effectiveness.

Beyond improving interdepartmental communication, these programs have also guided Taiwan’s fire and disaster prevention system in evolving from a primarily fire protection-focused approach to a more comprehensive disaster response framework.

Under the Disaster Prevention and Relief Act, the MOI serves as the central authority for responding to typhoons, earthquakes, explosions, volcanic activity, and 17 other classified disaster events. Taiwan’s centralized yet flexible coordination model enables swift and effective inter-agency collaboration.

When a sudden disaster strikes, the local government’s fire department receives the initial report and conducts the first response. Based on the severity and scope of the disaster, the fire department determines whether to activate a local disaster response center. The local government then reports the situation to the central government, where the central disaster authority evaluates whether to establish a central disaster response center for the affected region.

If you’re finding all this mind-bogglingly complex, don’t worry – you’re right on the mark. But bear in mind that Taiwan has had more experience planning for and responding to these events than most countries.

An international model

Taiwan’s disaster readiness protocols have become a model for other nations seeking to enhance their response capabilities. At a September event commemorating the 1999 earthquake, President Lai Ching-te noted that Taiwan has become an “important disaster rescue team” in the Asia-Pacific region capable of helping countries in need.

One of the most significant advancements in Taiwan’s disaster preparedness over the past decade has been the introduction of the National Disaster Prevention Day Large-Scale Earthquake Relief Mobilization Drill.

During the annual drill, Disaster Relief Support Assembly Bases are established in disaster-prone counties and cities, mobilizing thousands of personnel from specialized fire search teams, the ROC Army, healthcare and welfare agencies, hazardous materials response units, construction teams, aircrews, telecommunications companies, civilian volunteers, and international rescue teams. Participants from across Taiwan engage in realistic disaster simulations to assess the effectiveness of large-scale earthquake search and rescue operations and pre-disaster preparedness measures.

In 2024, the MOI designed the annual disaster drill around a magnitude 7.3 earthquake centered on the Chiayi front structure and Meishan fault on Taiwan’s west coast, simulating severe damage in Chiayi County, Chiayi City, and southern Tainan City. Meanwhile, Penghu County conducted a separate exercise based on a scenario in which a typhoon-triggered air crash resulted in mass casualties.

In addition to a tabletop exercise, the drill included a reception and evacuation center exercise for international rescue teams arriving in Taiwan. The live fire exercise component featured a five-day large-scale drill in Chiayi County and Chiayi City, along with a two-day drill in Penghu County.

The first large-scale offshore disaster relief drill in Penghu County successfully demonstrated the medical rescue and transfer of numerous injured and ill patients. The exercise integrated cross-sea personnel and vehicle support from the Penghu ship, alongside participation from Japan’s Peace Winds Japan medical group, Coast Guard Administration frigates, and the Air Force’s C-130 transport planes, according to a Focus Taiwan report.

The event drew 167 disaster relief teams from eight countries, including Germany, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and the United States, along with representatives from embassies and foreign offices in Taiwan, according to the MOI. Several countries actively participated in the drill, while others observed.

While future disasters are inevitable, Taiwan remains prepared, leveraging AI-driven forecasting, advanced technology, rigorous training, and a multi-tiered communication network. Natural disasters are challenges no nation welcomes, yet all must either prepare for or struggle to respond to. Taiwan stands out for its exceptional readiness and its willingness to share hard-earned expertise with the world.

TAIWAN’S GLOBAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Taiwan is widely respected for its disaster response capabilities, and its Search and Rescue Team is internationally recognized for its efficiency in post-disaster operations. Taiwanese personnel have provided critical assistance in emergencies across multiple countries, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to humanitarian relief efforts. Major examples include:

HAITI
2010 Earthquake
Taiwan deployed medical teams, delivered essential supplies, and contributed financial assistance for rebuilding efforts.

INDONESIA
2018 Earthquake & Tsunami
Taiwan’s government and NGOs provided financial aid, medical supplies, and post-disaster assistance.

JAPAN
2011 Earthquake & Tsunami
Taiwan was among the largest donors, providing over US$165 million in aid and sending emergency relief teams.

NEPAL
2015 Earthquake
Taiwan deployed search and rescue teams, supplied medical aid, and supported rebuilding initiatives.

PHILIPPINES
Typhoon Haiyan, 2013
Taiwan sent rescue teams, medical personnel, and relief supplies to support recovery operations.

TÜRKIYE
2023 Earthquake
Taiwan dispatched more than 130 rescuers and contributed millions in aid following the devastating earthquake.