Military ready to provide rescue assistance as storm nears
ROC Central News Agency
2013/08/21 12:15:03
Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) The military said late Tuesday that it has opened an emergency center and mobilized thousands of servicemen for disaster relief operations as Tropical Storm Trami nears and threatens to dump heavy rains on Taiwan.
The Central Weather Bureau issued a sea and land warning and an "extremely heavy rain" advisory for the storm on Tuesday, and it expected the storm's effects to be felt the strongest from Wednesday afternoon to mid-day Thursday.
More than 52,000 servicemen have been placed on standby to provide any necessary relief and rescue assistance, and 106 military bases have been prepared to shelter residents evacuated from disaster-prone areas, the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.
Eight S-70C rescue helicopters, 17 UH-1H choppers and 13 C-130 transport planes are also ready to be dispatched as needed, the ministry said, and more than 240 military vehicles and 21 inflatable boats can be made available for rescues.
The military also postponed a musical performance scheduled for Wednesday night in Taipei. The musical, to mark the 55th anniversary of the Aug. 23 Artillery Battle of 1958 between Taiwan and China, has been rescheduled to 2.p.m. Thursday, the military said.
(By Elaine Hou)
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