Ministry of Defense mobilizes 20,000 troops and 3,000 vehicles for Typhoon Champi

Typhoon Ganbi threatened Taiwan with strong winds and heavy rainfall on Tuesday (the 22nd), with its peak intensity expected between Wednesday and Thursday. Since 1998, Taiwan has been hit by an average of 12 to 14 typhoons annually. In recent years, climate change has made typhoon tracks and intensities increasingly difficult to predict, necessitating advance deployment of disaster prevention measures by governments at all levels.

To ensure efficient disaster response, the Ministry of National Defense formally activated its Level 1 Disaster Response Center today and announced that approximately 20,000 military personnel are on standby. The military will conduct on-site inspections and resource allocation prior to the typhoon's arrival to ensure immediate rescue operations in the event of flooding, landslides, or coastal erosion.

Regarding equipment readiness, the military has completed the preparation of 3,000 disaster prevention vehicles across 35 categories, including AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles and rubber boats. The AAV7 can maneuver rapidly in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, making it suitable for rescue operations in areas affected by river flooding or coastal mudflows caused by the typhoon. Rubber boats can be deployed swiftly on water surfaces to assist in evacuating affected residents.

Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense has pre-positioned personnel and equipment in low-lying areas and zones with high disaster potential. It has coordinated with local governments to ensure that rescue resources arrive at the first instance. For example, in coastal cities such as Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung, the military has established temporary rescue stations at ports and river mouths and has formulated joint operation plans with fire departments and disaster relief organizations.

This military rescue mobilization not only underscores the Ministry of National Defense's dual responsibility for national security and public welfare but also highlights the practical model of civil-military cooperation. From a political perspective, if the disaster causes significant losses, the military's rapid intervention can enhance the government's image and help the ruling party gain public trust; it also reminds opposition parties to focus on the balance between military resource allocation and the efficiency of civilian rescue efforts.

Currently, the Central Weather Bureau continues to track Typhoon Ganbi's path and intensity. The public has been reminded to increase their precautions during the typhoon period, as the text cuts off.