Taiwan's Hiking Adventure Turns into Rescue Mission: 23 Hikers Saved from Raging Baliwan River

Heavy Rainfall Traps Hikers in Hualien County, Prompting Swift Rescue Operation on the Baliwan River

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A dramatic rescue unfolded in Hualien County, Taiwan, as 23 hikers found themselves stranded by the surging Baliwan River following heavy rainfall. The Hualien County Fire Department swiftly mobilized a special search and rescue team to the Fengbin Township on Saturday evening.

Captain Jian Hong-cheng (簡弘丞), leading the rescue team, reported that authorities were alerted around 5 p.m. to the hikers' predicament. Responding to the call, over 30 police officers, firefighters, and volunteers from Fengbin and Shuilian were deployed, according to CNA.

The rescue operation was launched immediately, with teams establishing a rope system to navigate the swollen river amidst relentless rain and strong currents. Initially, rescuers focused on delivering food and drinking water to the stranded hikers to help them regain their strength.

Captain Jian (簡弘丞) assessed the situation and determined that the river level would gradually subside as the rain diminished. In preparation, they installed a rope and belay system upstream. As conditions slightly improved later in the evening, rescue workers carefully guided the hikers across the stream, one by one.

The Baliwan Mountain, a sacred site for the Amis people, towers at 992 meters above sea level and straddles the border between Fengbin and Ruisui townships in Hualien County. The area also features Cilangasan, the highest peak in the northern section of the Coastal Mountain Range.

Formerly known as Maogongshan, Baliwan Mountain is a popular destination and one of Taiwan’s “100 Peaks,” attracting numerous hikers. Reaching the summit necessitates multiple crossings of the Baliwan River, highlighting the inherent risks involved.