Miaoli County Fire Department reported today that a couple from Taichung City went hiking in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County. Due to inadequate preparation and underestimating weather changes, they got lost in the Jiali Mountain area. The Nanzhuang Fire Brigade was alerted and went up the mountain overnight, escorting the pair back to the trailhead after 16 hours.
The Miaoli County Fire Department stated that the couple — a 36-year-old man surnamed Ye and his girlfriend surnamed Kuo, both from Dajia District, Taichung City — had planned to hike the O-shaped route up Jiali Mountain via the Luchang Tribe in Nanzhuang Township on the 15th. They set off from the Jiali Mountain trailhead at 11:00 a.m. but were unable to descend by 7:00 p.m.
As the pair had only brought basic gear and faced poor lighting and unclear trails, they grew concerned as darkness fell and called 119 for help via mobile phone. Upon receiving the report, the Nanzhuang Fire Brigade considered the unstable mountain weather, the couple’s lack of rain gear and warm clothing, and the risk of hypothermia.
The Nanzhuang Fire Brigade immediately mobilized a total of five police, volunteer, and professional firefighters. Despite the rain, they headed up the mountain overnight and successfully located the couple around 3:00 a.m. on the 16th. Aside from being “slightly fatigued, completely soaked, and cold,” the two had no other health issues.
Search team members provided dry rations and water to restore their energy. After a short rest, the duo was escorted down the mountain and safely returned to the Jiali Mountain trailhead around 10:00 a.m., concluding the 16-hour rescue operation. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm.
The Miaoli County Fire Department urges the public to properly prepare before hiking — familiarize themselves with mountain routes and carry sufficient food, water, lighting equipment, and warm clothing. Especially with recent unstable weather, it is advised to avoid mountain and marine fishing activities to ensure personal safety and prevent unnecessary use of firefighting and rescue resources. 1050317
(Central News Agency)