2 Workers Stranded by Rising River in Kaohsiung Mountain Area Rescued
Heavy rain caused by a stationary front and southwestern air currents led to rising river levels in Kaohsiung's mountainous areas. Two excavator operators were stranded on a sandbar in the Zhuokou River while performing dredging work. A joint rescue operation by the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, Pingtung County Fire Bureau, and the Seventh River Management Office successfully brought them to safety without injury.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 18:19
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 18:35 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 18:36 (1 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, reporter Zhang Yilian, Kaohsiung, 10th) Affected by a stationary front and southwestern air currents, the mountainous areas of Kaohsiung have experienced heavy rainfall in recent days. Today, two excavator operators were stranded on a sandbar in the Zhuokou River in Liugui District while performing dredging operations. It is suspected that heavy rain upstream caused the river to rise suddenly. Rescue personnel successfully brought both individuals to safety without injury.
The Kaohsiung City Government Fire Bureau stated that around 2:50 PM, two excavator operators were stranded on a sandbar in the Zhuokou River in Liugui District. The site was part of an emergency repair project on the lower Laonong River being carried out by the Seventh River Management Office of the Water Resources Agency.
The Kaohsiung Fire Bureau dispatched 11 vehicles, 28 personnel, 2 boats, and a drone for the rescue operation, and also notified the Pingtung County Fire Bureau for support. The two stranded individuals were rescued around 4:11 PM. Neither was injured, and they were not taken to a hospital.
Police from the Liugui Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department explained that the Xinwei Police Station received a report in the afternoon from a man stating that his colleagues, Mr. Li and Mr. Huang, were operating excavators for dredging work on the riverbed of the Zhuokou River in Liugui District. Due to heavy rain upstream, the river level rose suddenly, and the two workers were unable to evacuate in time, becoming stranded on a sandbar in the middle of the river.
The police stated that units including the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, Pingtung County Fire Bureau, and the Seventh River Management Office dispatched personnel to the scene to assist in the rescue. After the on-site commander assessed the water flow conditions, rescue personnel used a rubber boat to cross the Zhuokou River and successfully brought the two stranded workers safely back to shore.
The Kaohsiung Fire Bureau urged the public to be aware that recent intermittent rain in mountainous areas could cause rivers to swell suddenly. People should constantly monitor upstream rainfall and water level changes and evacuate early. The public should stay away from dangerous river basins and avoid playing or lingering near streams during the flood season to prevent danger. (Editor: Zhang Yajing) 1150610
The Kaohsiung City Government Fire Bureau stated that around 2:50 PM, two excavator operators were stranded on a sandbar in the Zhuokou River in Liugui District. The site was part of an emergency repair project on the lower Laonong River being carried out by the Seventh River Management Office of the Water Resources Agency.
The Kaohsiung Fire Bureau dispatched 11 vehicles, 28 personnel, 2 boats, and a drone for the rescue operation, and also notified the Pingtung County Fire Bureau for support. The two stranded individuals were rescued around 4:11 PM. Neither was injured, and they were not taken to a hospital.
Police from the Liugui Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department explained that the Xinwei Police Station received a report in the afternoon from a man stating that his colleagues, Mr. Li and Mr. Huang, were operating excavators for dredging work on the riverbed of the Zhuokou River in Liugui District. Due to heavy rain upstream, the river level rose suddenly, and the two workers were unable to evacuate in time, becoming stranded on a sandbar in the middle of the river.
The police stated that units including the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, Pingtung County Fire Bureau, and the Seventh River Management Office dispatched personnel to the scene to assist in the rescue. After the on-site commander assessed the water flow conditions, rescue personnel used a rubber boat to cross the Zhuokou River and successfully brought the two stranded workers safely back to shore.
The Kaohsiung Fire Bureau urged the public to be aware that recent intermittent rain in mountainous areas could cause rivers to swell suddenly. People should constantly monitor upstream rainfall and water level changes and evacuate early. The public should stay away from dangerous river basins and avoid playing or lingering near streams during the flood season to prevent danger. (Editor: Zhang Yajing) 1150610
FAQ
Where did this incident occur?
It occurred in the Zhuokou River in Liugui District, Kaohsiung City.
How many people were rescued?
Two workers were rescued.
What equipment was used in the rescue?
Equipment included rubber boats, drones, and fire trucks.