Japanese Disaster Prevention Expert Visits Post-Earthquake HL, Praises Swift Recovery Efforts

(中央社訊息服務20250708 10:33:42)Japanese disaster prevention expert Dr. Nobuyuki Tsuchiya visited Hualien today (July 3, 2025) as part of a three-day tour to study Taiwan’s earthquake response and reconstruction efforts following the April 3 (0403) earthquake. Representing Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei, Fire Department Director-General Wu Chao-Yuan welcomed the delegation and led a tour of key disaster response and recovery sites. Dr. Tsuchiya, a long-time advisor to Taiwan’s Water Resources Agency (WRA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will visit the Hualien County Disaster Response Center (operated by the County Fire Department), Tzu Chi Foundation, Taroko National Park, temporary housing sites, and buildings undergoing soft-story retrofitting during his stay.

Director-General Wu noted that both Taiwan and Japan are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and regularly face compound disaster risks such as earthquakes and typhoons. He emphasized that various agencies, including Taroko National Park Headquarters and local authorities, are actively engaged in recovery work. He also expressed gratitude for the support and concern from Japan and the international community.

During his remarks, Dr. Tsuchiya expressed his appreciation for Taiwan’s assistance during Japan’s 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, and shared his longstanding ties to Taiwan, stemming from his family’s history of involvement in hydraulic engineering on the island. He spoke warmly of his familiarity and deep connection with Taiwan. After reviewing the briefing presentations from local agencies, Dr. Tsuchiya praised the efficiency and speed of Hualien’s disaster response and reconstruction efforts, and offered high respect for the Fire Department’s bravery in entering hazardous areas during rescue operations. He also shared observations on the differences in emergency response systems between Japan and other countries, noting that there is much Japan can learn from Hualien’s approach to improving operational efficiency in disaster management.

Dr. Tsuchiya is one of Japan’s most respected disaster prevention experts, with over 40 years of experience in urban planning, river management, and flood control. He currently serves as a technical consultant at the Japan Institute of Riverfront Development, and has previously held positions as Chairman of the Edogawa Environmental Foundation, Director of the Institute of Riverfront Development, and Executive Director of the National Association of Land Adjustment Professionals. His work has long focused on river engineering, disaster mitigation, and water environment planning. He is also the author of influential publications such as “Flooded Capital” and “Approaches for Disaster-Prone Islands.” Dr. Tsuchiya’s visit was coordinated by the Water Resources Agency as part of its international expert exchange program to review Taiwan’s post-earthquake recovery and offer professional insights for future disaster response planning.

Today’s expert exchange meeting included presentations from the Hualien County Fire Department, Economic Affairs Department, Social Affairs Department, and Hualien City Office, covering various disaster response strategies. Attendees included Dr. Tsuchiya, Dr. Kang Shih-Fang of Tamkang University, and Section Chief Hsieh Pei-Ling of the Water Resources Agency.