Taiwan's 921 drill simulates 7.3 quake with 180 international responders

September 23, 2026 at 05:29 PM2 min

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Taiwan's annual 921 disaster exercise in Taitung simulated a 7.3 magnitude earthquake with cascading conflict contingencies. The drill involved 180 international participants and 100 observers, marking its first 24/7 continuous operation. The exercise tested whole-of-society response across seven cities and counties.

Key Facts

The 2026 921 exercise simulated a 7.3 magnitude earthquake and estimated damage to 43 bridges and nearly 1,800 buildings.
180 international participants brought gear and worked alongside local teams for three days, including the first overnight 24/7 operation.
Search-and-rescue teams and fire departments from seven cities and counties conducted a full-scale mobilization southward.
A Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team coordinated with six Taiwanese DMATs supervised by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
100 international observers traveled to each exercise site to observe the capabilities.

Exercise Scenario

The base scenario estimated damage to 43 bridges and nearly 1,800 buildings, along with 63 casualties. Search-and-rescue teams and fire departments from seven cities and counties in Taiwan conducted a full-scale mobilization southward. Everyone on Taiwan's cellular network received mobile alerts testing the national alert system. The drill layered earthquake response with variables Taiwan could face in a conflict contingency.

International Participation

180 international participants brought gear and equipment to the island, working alongside local teams for three days. The exercise included its first overnight, 24/7 continuous operation. A Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team coordinated with six Taiwanese DMATs formed by local hospitals and supervised by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. American and Taiwanese medical teams simulated joint field care in an adjacent tent. 100 international observers traveled to each exercise site to observe the capabilities on display.

Exercise Evolution

Since 2018, the 921 exercise has commemorated the September 21, 1999, Chi Chi earthquake. The exercise has shifted toward unscripted, full-scale scenarios modeled on U.S. curriculum. The drill now integrates civil government officials, military field medical teams, the private sector, and NGOs into a unified command system. The active international participation marks a key distinction between this drill and Taiwan's Urban Resilience exercise held in June.