Taiwan's National Parks Issue Urgent Snow Warning Following Tragic Hiker Deaths

Authorities Urge Caution as Melting Snow Poses Danger to Mountain Climbers

Taipei, March 24 – The Department of National Park Service (DNPS) in Taiwan has issued a stern reminder to all those planning high-mountain treks, urging extreme caution due to hazardous snowy conditions following the recovery of two hikers' bodies in Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak, last Sunday.

The DNPS highlighted that the snow on mountains exceeding 3,000 meters, including Yushan, Syue Mountain, and Hehuanshan, is gradually melting. This process, while seemingly less treacherous, can be exceedingly dangerous even for well-equipped hikers.

Hikers currently exploring high-altitude areas within Shei-Pa, Yushan, and Taroko national parks are advised to exercise extreme care to prevent falls, especially with snow control measures in effect until March 31. The DNPS emphasizes the ongoing risk and the importance of prioritizing safety.

The agency is also strongly advising potential climbers to consider rescheduling their trips due to safety concerns. Recent incidents, including hikers becoming stranded or falling down slopes, have prompted the DNPS to reiterate the seriousness of the situation.

For those already in the mountains, the DNPS stresses the critical importance of proper usage of essential snow gear. This includes helmets, crampons, and ice axes. Maintaining focus on footing is paramount to avoid slips and falls into valleys, which can lead to fatal outcomes and put a strain on already stretched rescue resources.

Furthermore, the DNPS has clarified the consequences for those disregarding safety protocols. Individuals found in restricted areas of national parks without the required permits, or those requiring rescue due to inadequate preparation, will face a ban on applying for entry permits for up to three years.

According to Yushan National Park, the implemented snow control measures, initiated on December 19, are in place because the weather conditions have become unsuitable for average hikers visiting areas above 3,000 meters. These measures involve closures of certain areas and strict limitations on entry permits, prioritizing hikers with specialized training and experience in navigating snowy conditions.

Around noon on Sunday, the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) recovered the bodies of two hikers who had been reported missing after falling down a mountain slope the previous day while climbing the main and north peaks of Yushan, as reported by the Nantou County Fire Department.

The Nantou County Fire Department also announced the recovery of two additional hikers who had gone missing on different mountain trails later the same day.

In related news, the fire department confirmed that sixteen hikers, stranded by adverse weather conditions in Shei-Pa National Park since March 16, and 31 hikers suffering from altitude sickness in Nantou, were successfully rescued on Thursday and Friday, respectively.