Overview:
Emergency responders in Palau will stage a full-scale mass rescue exercise Wednesday morning at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, with officials urging motorists to remain alert and yield to emergency convoys traveling to Belau National Hospital.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (Mar. 9, 2026)—Emergency responders will conduct a mass rescue and full-scale airport emergency exercise on Wednesday morning at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, with officials urging motorists and the public to remain aware and cooperate with safety instructions during the drill.
The Palau Bureau of Public Safety announced that the training exercise is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. March 11 and is expected to conclude around noon, though officials said the simulation could end earlier or extend longer depending on how the drill unfolds.
The full-scale exercise will simulate a large-scale emergency response at the airport, involving multiple first responder agencies and coordinated rescue operations.
As part of the training scenario, an emergency convoy will travel from the airport to Belau National Hospital. During that time, residents may see emergency vehicles, sirens and first responders carrying out simulated rescue and transport activities along the route.
Officials said the exercise is intended to test and strengthen coordination among emergency personnel and agencies responsible for responding to large-scale incidents at the airport. Such drills help responders evaluate procedures, communication systems and interagency cooperation in a controlled environment.
Authorities are asking the public to remain alert during the exercise and avoid interfering with emergency operations. Motorists traveling near the airport or along the convoy route may encounter emergency vehicles and temporary traffic control.
Drivers are advised to slow down, obey traffic signs and follow directions from officers managing traffic. The public is also asked to yield the right of way to the emergency convoy to ensure the exercise can be conducted safely.
Officials emphasized that the activities are part of a planned training exercise and not a real emergency, but said public awareness and cooperation are essential to ensuring the drill proceeds smoothly.