The 12 hiking trails in the Dakeng Scenic Area of Taichung City have been damaged due to continuous heavy rainfall recently, with some sections suffering from structural damage and fallen trees. The city’s Tourism and Travel Bureau immediately closed off the affected trails and dispatched personnel for repairs. Trail No. 1 in Dakeng (from 0K+000 to 0K+300) is expected to be repaired by the end of December, while Trail No. 3 is expected to be completed by the end of June 2020. Hikers are urged to follow on-site instructions to ensure safety.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that since Mayor Lu Hsiu-yan took office, she has placed great emphasis on trail safety. In addition to regular inspections by staff, they are instructed to conduct thorough checks of every trail immediately after heavy rain, along with emergency measures, to prevent any dangers to hikers.
The recent heavy rain caused damage to parts of the Dakeng trails. The structural integrity of Trail No. 1 (0K+000 to 0K+300) and Trail No. 3 has been compromised, affecting passage safety. These sections are currently closed for repair. Trail No. 1 (0K+000 to 0K+300) is expected to be fixed by the end of December, and Trail No. 3 by the end of June 2020. Other minor landslides and fallen trees have been promptly cleared to restore access.
“Safety comes first when hiking!” the Tourism Bureau urges the public to avoid mountain hiking during rainy weather. Trails can become slippery after rainfall, so extra caution is advised. For the latest information on trail closures and repairs, visitors can check the Taichung City Scenic Area Management Office website and follow on-site instructions. The public is advised not to enter closed areas to ensure safety.
(China Times)