Mountain rescue cases in Hualien have been rising year by year. The number of annual mountain rescue missions has surged from 12 five years ago to 42 last year, leaving rescue personnel exhausted and the costs ultimately borne by taxpayers. The Hualien County Government has drafted its own "Mountain Climbing Self-Governance Ordinance," which is expected to be submitted to the county council for its third reading in April. Those who fail to climb in accordance with regulations will be required to cover their own rescue expenses.
County Council third reading in April
To reduce mountain accidents and minimize the waste of rescue resources, the Hualien County Government yesterday passed the "Hualien County Mountain Activity Management Self-Governance Ordinance" during a county government meeting. A total of 16 regulations were proposed, including requirements to follow a climbing plan when entering mountain areas under the county’s control, carrying communication equipment with positioning capabilities, being led by a professional guide, and purchasing comprehensive mountain climbing insurance.
Fire Bureau Director Lin Wen-ruei said that Hualien is home to numerous high mountains and famous peaks, featuring many popular climbing routes. There are an estimated 43 mountains over 3,000 meters in elevation within the jurisdiction. In recent years, Taichung and Nantou have successively passed mountain climbing ordinances, and Hualien is also working on related regulations to prevent incidents where people climb “unauthorized trails” or enter mountains without proper authorization and then request police or fire rescue services.
Rescue costs start at NT$600,000
According to statistics from the Hualien County Fire Bureau, the number of mountain rescue missions has risen steadily from 12 in 2011, increasing from 29 in 2013 to 42 last year. Each mountain rescue operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Deploying an air rescue helicopter alone requires approximately NT$600,000 just for fuel, not including the overtime pay and insurance of ground rescue personnel, as well as subsequent medical evacuation costs.
With frequent mountain rescue missions every year, not only are police, volunteer firefighters, and rescue personnel—who are already stretched thin—pushed to their limits, but the risks to rescue workers also increase. Lin Wen-ruei said that according to the ordinance, individuals who fail to purchase insurance or enter mountains during disaster control periods may be fined up to NT$50,000. In the event of an emergency, responsibility falls on the individual, who must also bear all associated rescue costs. He urged the public that mountain roads are unpredictable and fraught with unforeseen dangers, so thorough preparation is essential before heading out.