Jiayi County’s Alishan’s Thousand-People Cave and Shuiyang Forest are among the hottest hiking routes, but a recent earthquake caused a fatal falling rock accident. The Jiayi County Fire Bureau urges hikers not to visit these areas after the quake.
The 921 Earthquake created the Shuiyang Forest barrier lake northeast of Fengshan Village in Alishan Township and near Shanlinxi in Nantou County. The unique scenery of the white tree forest became widely known among hikers through word of mouth, making it one of the most popular trails in recent years. Additionally, the Thousand-People Cave in Fengshan Village is favored for its pristine landscape, making it ideal for hiking and exploration, attracting a constant stream of visitors.
The Jiayi County Fire Bureau stated today that hikers can access the Thousand-People Cave or Shuiyang Forest from Fengshan Village in Alishan Township or Shanlinxi in Nantou County. However, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Ren’ai Township in Nantou County on June 2. At the time, an eight-member hiking team was on their way from Fengshan Village to the Thousand-People Cave when a hiker surnamed Liu, unable to dodge in time, was struck by a falling rock. He was sent to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The fire bureau pointed out that the trails leading to the Thousand-People Cave or Shuiyang Forest are not official hiking paths, are extremely treacherous, and have been affected by multiple storms and heavy rains. Not only are the routes unclear, but there are also several landslides. There have already been three hiking accidents this year. With the recent earthquake and the onset of the flood season, the bureau strongly advises hikers not to visit these two popular hiking destinations to avoid danger. 1020605
(CNA)