By Yang Hansheng / Hualien Report
Three hikers from Nantou County entered the mountains from Dongpu in Nantou on the 7th. When the three reached the 24K point of Zhongping Forest Road on the 14th and were preparing to cross a stream, they were blocked by flash floods and rising river water. They called the fire department for help and were airlifted down the mountain by helicopter after the weather cleared on the 17th, successfully escaping the danger. However, since the three had not applied for mountain entry permits, the Hualien County Fire Bureau decided to fine each of the hikers NT$60,000, marking the first penalty issued under Hualien County’s Mountain Entry Regulations.
Due to frequent mountain accidents, Hualien County Government officially implemented its self-drafted “Mountain Activities Management Autonomous Ordinance” this year. Visitors to mountainous areas within Hualien must apply for mountain entry as required, carry appropriate gear, and purchase comprehensive mountain insurance. Those who fail to comply with the regulations may face a maximum fine of NT$50,000. The three hikers on the 17th, who did not apply for entry, became the first to be fined under this ordinance.
(China Times)