70-year-old Woman Missing for 5 Days on Walami Trail, Hualien Fire Department Releases Characteristics for Search

Central News Agency (Reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien County, 15th) A 70-year-old female hiker, Ms. Chen, went missing on the Walami Trail of the Batongguan Historic Trail East Section on the 11th. The Hualien County Fire Department's search and rescue operation has entered its fifth day, with high-density, comprehensive searches being conducted in the hot zone. The department has also released the missing person's characteristics, hoping for public assistance with information.

A team of six people was hiking the Walami Trail, and the 70-year-old female hiker, Ms. Chen, went missing on the 11th after briefly separating from the group at approximately the 11.4-kilometer mark of the trail.

The Third Brigade of the Hualien County Fire Department stated today that it has joined forces with the Police Department, Forestry Bureau, Yushan National Park Headquarters, the Eastern Search and Rescue Committee of the Republic of China Mountain Association, and various professional civilian rescue teams, totaling dozens of search and rescue personnel, to continue the search operation.

The Third Brigade pointed out that they are conducting a cordon search in the hot zone, focusing on the last known location at 11.4K (landslide rockfall area), and thoroughly checking the slopes, stream gullies, and densely vegetated areas from 9.5K to 12K.

In addition, the search and rescue team is using drones for deep valley monitoring, paired with ground special search personnel and advanced emergency medical technicians, to ensure immediate life-saving treatment if the missing person is found.

The Third Brigade stated that due to inconvenient communication in the mountainous area, they hope that passersby at the time can provide "first-person perspective" assistance to narrow down the search area. The missing person, Ms. Chen, was wearing an orange long-sleeved shirt, black long pants, a dark blue fisherman's hat, and carrying a grass-green backpack. If anyone has any information, please immediately message the "Hualien County Fire Department" Facebook fan page or call the hotline (03) 888-5119. Any information is extremely crucial.

The Hualien County Fire Department urges hikers that mountain environments are constantly changing. They should hike in groups and not alone, strictly adhere to the principle of "entering and exiting together," and team members should remain within each other's sight and shouting distance. When passing through rockfall areas or geologically unstable sections, they should pass quickly and not linger to enjoy the scenery. Before hiking, be sure to inform family members of the itinerary and prepare positioning and communication equipment. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150415

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