Public Works Department, Taipei City Government

Disaster prevention is grounded in a philosophy of "70% self-reliance, 20% mutual aid, and 10% government support." In this spirit, the Hydraulic Engineering Office (HEO) of the Public Works Department of the Taipei City Government has been a staunch advocate for the development of autonomous disaster prevention communities. The "Taipei City Flood Prevention Community Pledge Rally," held on July 5th, was not just a ceremonial gathering but a vital initiative to bolster the commitment and involvement of these resilient communities. The rally served as a call to action, encouraging continuous improvement in their disaster readiness, crucial in combating extreme weather events through combined public and private efforts.

Since 2019, the HEO has successfully established 15 autonomous flood prevention communities and plans to introduce three more by 2024, totaling 18. These communities are pivotal in mitigating the impacts of typhoons and heavy rainfall by ensuring that the populace is well-prepared well before disasters occur. The crux of this preparedness lies in empowering residents to foster robust, autonomous disaster response capabilities. When calamities strike, these communities act as the primary first line of defense before governmental intervention, with their strength and preparedness directly influencing their ability to safeguard their homes and neighborhoods during critical moments.

As typhoon season approaches, the HEO orchestrated the "Taipei City Flood Prevention Community Pledge Rally" on July 5th. This event brought together community leaders and essential members of the response teams from autonomous disaster prevention communities. It featured an array of activities including keynote speeches, sessions for sharing experiences, motivational talks by agency heads, a flag ceremony, and a pledge group photograph, all designed to enhance community involvement and foster a sense of pride in their crucial role in building resilient communities that can withstand and triumph over disasters.

The HEO’s River Administration Section emphasized that the rally was designed to foster pre-typhoon season dialogue and exchanges between community leaders and response teams. It provided an essential platform for members of newly formed disaster prevention communities to gain insights into the strategies and goals of autonomous disaster prevention efforts. Moreover, it offered an invaluable opportunity for established community members to exchange knowledge and learn from one another’s experiences in disaster management.

To counter the effects of heavy rains and potential flooding, the Taipei City Government is actively promoting collaboration between public and private sectors. As the challenges of extreme climate change intensify, the role of autonomous disaster prevention becomes increasingly crucial. The HEO is dedicated to pushing forward the "Resilient Autonomous Flood Prevention Communities Initiative," which aims to empower residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to respond decisively during critical disaster moments. By enhancing the community's capabilities for self-help and mutual aid, this initiative seeks to extend the scope of disaster prevention measures and amplify the overall disaster response capacity across the city.