Swift Rescues in Taiwan: Migrant Workers and Hikers Saved from Rising Waters

Heavy Rains Trigger Dramatic Rescue Operations Across Taiwan, Highlighting the Importance of Safety Awareness.

Taipei, Taiwan – In a weekend marked by relentless rainfall, authorities in Taiwan conducted two significant rescue operations, saving a total of 36 individuals from perilous situations.

In Taichung City, 13 migrant workers found themselves stranded on a sandbar in the Dadu River due to unexpected river surges early Sunday. The Taichung City Fire Bureau swiftly responded to the emergency, dispatching fire engines and boats after receiving a distress call at 5:20 a.m. All 13 workers were safely brought to shore by 7:13 a.m.

Meanwhile, in Hualien County, 23 hikers were trapped on one side of the Baliwan River during a hiking trip on Baliwan Mountain. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. Saturday. The trek, which includes crossing the river multiple times, became hazardous due to the heavy rain. Rescuers, led by Jian Hong-cheng (簡弘丞), head of the Hualien County Fire Department's search and rescue unit, initially provided food and water via a rope. They then waited for the water level to decrease before assisting the hikers across the river. The hikers returned to safety after 11 p.m. Saturday.

The Central Weather Administration had issued a series of heavy rain alerts since late Friday, as a rain-bearing weather front moved across Taiwan during the ongoing plum rain season (May to June). The Water Resources Agency noted that the plum rain season also marks the beginning of a roughly seven-month-long flood season in Taiwan, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.