Nationwide civil defense drill slated for Thursday

The interior ministry announced on Wednesday that a nationwide civil defense drill simulating an enemy air raid will be carried out later this week. The exercise will span 20 minutes, beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, according to the ministry. The drill will unfold in the sequence of an air raid warning, a preliminary warning, and an all-clear signal, the ministry further explained.

Upon hearing the air raid siren at precisely 2 p.m., individuals are mandated to flee to the nearest civil defense shelters or an adjacent underground area. At 2:15 p.m., when the preliminary warning is broadcast, people may depart from the shelters and continue moving about, yet must remain vigilant. The drill will conclude when the warning is discontinued at 2:20 p.m.

Civil defense shelters have been established at roughly 17,000 sites throughout the country, encompassing underground parking facilities at apartment buildings, subway stations, and underground shopping complexes. To mitigate any public disruption, major establishments including hospitals, subways, railways, aircraft, and ships will continue their regular operations during the drill, as stated by the ministry.

Foreign nationals will be provided with information regarding the drill.