During Typhoon Soudelor, when the entire city was on high alert, a family of three from Changhua—surnamed Xia—chose to risk climbing Nanhuda Mountain. They got trapped by rapidly rising river water and had to call for rescue. The city government mobilized nearly 20 police and firefighters from various districts and even deployed an excavator to successfully bring the trio down the mountain. Today (10th), Mayor Lin Chia-lung criticized the incident as a "negative example." While the Disaster Prevention and Rescue Act makes it difficult to impose penalties, Taichung City is considering drafting its own autonomous ordinance to ban hiking during typhoons, with stricter punishments for those who insist on climbing in such dangerous conditions.

Mayor Lin Chia-lung said the family of three believed they were experienced hikers and even brought their 11-year-old child along for the risky climb. During the typhoon rescue operation, firefighters were dispatched to save them. Judging that the hikers were still able to hold out, authorities decided to postpone the rescue until the next day due to the dangerously fast-moving river, eventually succeeding in the mission. While authorities are concerned about a repeat of the "Bazhangxi" tragedy, they also need to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.

Fire Bureau Director Hsiao Huan-chang pointed out that according to the Disaster Prevention and Rescue Act, once a disaster response center is activated and restricted zones are marked, hikers entering the area can be penalized. However, these three individuals had already entered the mountains before the restricted zone was established, making it very difficult to punish them.

Hsiao Huan-chang said that typhoons bring heavy rain, which often leads to landslides, mudflows, flash floods, fallen trees, and other hazards. Hiking during such conditions is extremely dangerous—not only can hikers get trapped themselves, but they also put rescuers at risk, consuming significant social resources and affecting rescue efforts in other disaster zones. He urged everyone to act more cautiously and avoid hiking before or after typhoons, prioritizing the safety of both themselves and others.

"Over 20 people were mobilized, costing more than NT$200,000!" Hsiao Huan-chang emphasized that during the post-typhoon disaster response review meeting, the mayor had already instructed the Fire Bureau and Police Bureau to study imposing heavier penalties on those who insist on hiking during typhoons.

(China Times)