Taiwan's annual evacuation drills have begun. The exercises are to prepare citizens in the event of a missile attack by China.

Taipei City made the sessions more active than usual to raise awareness amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This year's drills are being held separately in four regions from Monday through Thursday. Northern Taiwan held the training on Monday.

In the exercises, air raid sirens signal the requirement for citizens to stay indoors until the alert is lifted in 30 minutes. Police officers guided pedestrians into nearby buildings and underground facilities.

People operating cars or buses are usually instructed to pull over to the curb.

This year, Taipei City authorities had drivers and passengers exit their vehicles to evacuate.

Subway stations were crowded with people who had come off the streets and passengers who had exited trains.

A woman in her 60s said she came down to the subway station after receiving the alert through her smartphone. She said the drill is a little inconvenient, but is necessary for everyone's safety.

Taiwan is also holding large annual military exercises this week.