During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, influenced by the southwest monsoon, heavy rain and torrential rain are possible in western Taiwan. The Nantou Forest District Office urges the public to assess weather conditions and gear before heading into the mountains due to unstable weather.
The Central Weather Bureau upgraded its forecast on the 8th from southwest winds to the influence of the southwest monsoon, warning that especially on the 10th and 11th of the holiday period, western Taiwan can expect heavy to torrential rainfall. Coastal low-lying areas should be wary of flooding, while mountainous regions should be particularly cautious about the potential for sudden rising river levels.
The Nantou Forest District Office stated today that the “West Section of the Nenggao Transmountain National Trail” passes through several fault zones, making it prone to landslides and extremely geologically unstable. Sections at 0K+700, 5.5K to 6K, and 10K to 10.3K are especially susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, which may occur again due to weather or seismic activity.
The Nantou Forest District Office stated that the Weather Bureau predicts a high probability of rainfall. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday period, hikers planning to enter the West Section of the Nenggao Transmountain National Trail are urged to first assess weather conditions, pay attention to information published on the official website, and make proper preparations to avoid dangers while hiking.
The Nantou Forest District Office stated that Tianchi Mountain Lodge, located along the trail, is a high-altitude mountain lodge that is already fully booked for the holiday period. Moreover, the campsite area at Tianchi Mountain Lodge is still under renovation and cannot provide tent camping services. Due to unpredictable weather and the high altitude, there is also a risk of altitude sickness and other related hazards. Hikers are advised to plan safe itineraries in advance.
The Nantou Forest District Office stated that this trail ranges in elevation from approximately 1,860 meters to 2,860 meters and connects to nearby popular hiking routes such as Nanhua Mountain and Qilai South Peak, all of which exceed 3,000 meters in altitude. Recently, mountain weather has been highly changeable, with frequent heavy rainfall. Hikers should avoid lingering near landslide-prone areas and should pass through them as quickly as possible. 1050610
(CNA)