Continuous Rainfall Poses Risks; National Park Administration Urges Cancellation of Hiking Plans When Necessary

(Central News Agency reporter Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 13th) - Following continuous heavy rains, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior National Park Administration announced today that soil moisture in mountainous regions has reached saturation. Trails are extremely slippery, and vulnerable sections face risks of rockfalls, slope collapses, and sudden river surges. With unstable weather forecasted for the upcoming weekend, the administration urges hikers to flexibly adjust or decisively cancel their plans when necessary.

According to forecasts from the Central Weather Administration, thunderstorms are expected in northern and central Taiwan, eastern regions, and mountainous areas this afternoon, with heavy rain warnings for mountain zones. Unstable weather will persist today and tomorrow due to a frontal system and southwest winds, with heavy to torrential rains expected in central and southern Taiwan. Moisture levels will remain high on the 16th, with conditions only stabilizing from the 17th onward.

In a press release, the National Park Administration emphasized, "The mountains will always be there." This weekend, Taiwan's weather remains unstable, with short-duration torrential rains expected in central and southern regions. Prolonged rainfall has saturated soil in high-altitude areas, making trails extremely slippery. Certain fragile sections now face heightened risks of rockfalls, slope failures, and flash floods. Given these uncertain environmental hazards, the public is strongly urged to remain flexible with their plans and to decisively postpone or cancel hikes when needed.

The administration advises hikers planning visits to high-mountain national parks such as Yushan, Taroko, and Shei-Pa to closely monitor the latest weather alerts before departure. They should prepare rigorous hiking plans, conduct risk assessments, and ensure two key preparations: "Equipment and Prevention" and "Safety and Communication."

Under "Equipment and Prevention," the administration urges hikers to carry appropriate gear and sufficient warm, waterproof clothing to prevent hypothermia or being stranded. Hikers should remain vigilant for falling rocks, dead trees, and slippery trails. If thunderstorms or heavy rain occur, they should immediately seek safe shelter and refrain from attempting summits.

Regarding "Safety and Communication," hikers are advised to implement a hiking留守 system (informing someone of their itinerary). Before departure, download offline maps and share detailed plans—including routes and evacuation strategies—with family or emergency contacts. The administration strongly recommends carrying or renting communication devices such as mobile phones, satellite phones, Garmin inReach, or PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) to enable rapid emergency alerts.

The National Park Administration stresses that monitoring weather changes and flexibly adjusting plans are fundamental to recreational safety. Hikers should continuously check forecasts and updates, and strictly abide by park regulations—no unauthorized fires, littering, noise, or environmental damage. "Respect nature, know your limits. Only with thorough preparation can you return safely and truly enjoy the perfect outdoor experience," it concluded. (Edited by Chai Szu-chia) 1150613