TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei City Government selected the Xihu Market as an emergency shelter for Monday's annual Wanan air raid drill (July 24).
The exercise simulated an air raid in northern Taiwan from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in these seven municipalities: Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Yilan.
As the sirens went off at 1:30 p.m., marking the start of the drill, vendors and customers at Xihu Market evacuated to the basement in an orderly matter under instructions.
After reaching the basement, they were told to crouch on the floor, with their hands covering their eyes and ears for added safety. The exercise also includes shutting off all water, electricity, and household gas supplies.
Three rehearsals were conducted at the market a week before the drill, leading vendors and customers to become frustrated with the Taipei City government.
Deputy Mayor of Taipei City Lee Shu-chuan said that the exercise must be viewed as actual combat, but he understands that the rehearsals will affect the market and bring loss to the vendors. He also stated that the city government would provide some compensation in cash and ten cases of beer.
