Recently, reports of "sudden heavy rain in a certain area" have frequently appeared before our eyes, often followed by distressing news. With summer vacation currently underway—a peak season for travel—hiking and water activities are among the most popular choices. So how can you prevent disasters and stay safe when heavy rain strikes, and what are the correct emergency measures and self-rescue methods to take in the face of sudden disasters? Today, we’ve compiled some emergency tips to help ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality on your travels.
What to do if you encounter heavy rain while traveling in mountainous areas?
Self-rescue: Murky water is a sign of a flash flood—evacuate to higher ground immediately upon seeing it.
Many people enjoy traveling and exploring in the mountains, unaware that without understanding the terrain and weather patterns, encountering disaster weather can lead to dire consequences. In the mountains, it’s not uncommon for the weather to be sunny one moment, only for a flash flood to suddenly rush down—often leaving those unfamiliar with the terrain at a loss. In fact, flash floods don’t come without warning signs. Murky water is a major indicator. After heavy rainfall in mountainous regions, flash floods can easily occur. These floods carry debris such as branches and rocks, making the water extremely murky. If you notice the water in the mountains turning muddy, evacuate to higher ground immediately. It’s also worth noting that heavy rain can trigger landslides and mudflows. Escape routes may become blocked, so try to move to the highest possible location and wait for rescue. In some deep mountain areas, there may be no mobile phone signal, making it difficult to contact the outside world. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring a whistle, a high-powered flashlight, glow sticks, or similar tools when traveling in mountainous areas. These can help rescuers locate you more quickly in an emergency. As a last resort, try to climb to the mountaintop, where there’s usually better mobile reception.
In mountainous areas, if you encounter severe weather such as thick fog or strong winds, stop advancing and take shelter under a cliff or in a cave until conditions improve. Don’t overestimate your physical strength while hiking in the mountains—take breaks when you feel fatigued. Don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion before resting, as it becomes harder to recover and regain energy. The right approach is to walk briskly for a while, then slow down for a relaxed stroll or pause to catch your breath. When taking a standing break, don’t remove your backpack. You can prop a stick under it to reduce the load on your body. Mountain temperatures are generally lower, so avoid sitting on rocks to rest—they can quickly draw heat away from your body.
What to do if you need to evacuate during a heavy rain while camping outdoors?
Self-rescue: In case of heavy rain, evacuate to higher ground; if there’s lightning, cover your head with clothing.
Avoid camping in mountainous areas during the rainy season. Location selection is also crucial—you should never camp at the foot of a mountain due to the risk of landslides, nor on a riverbed due to potential flash floods. Camping under trees is also dangerous, as lightning strikes are more likely. It’s recommended to consult with locals to determine whether a campsite is safe and suitable.
In the event of heavy rain, evacuate to higher ground immediately.
It’s advisable to bring a compass and other gear when camping, keep your mobile phone charged, and ideally carry a GPS device. Bring a small first aid kit as well—if you get injured, tend to it promptly.
What should you do if you encounter a mudflow while traveling?
Note: Never run in the direction of the mudflow.
If you encounter a mudflow, immediately climb up the slope perpendicular to its direction—never run in the same direction as the flow. If there’s no time to run, grab a nearby tree and climb as high as possible. Take shelter behind large rocks or in densely wooded areas to minimize injury. Don’t panic or waste energy by shouting—try to attract attention and wait for rescue. If injured, stabilize the affected area and stop the bleeding—avoid unnecessary movement. It’s recommended to carry a skateboard helmet, which is lighter and more portable than a climbing helmet and still provides adequate protection. It can shield your head from falling rocks. In emergencies, a brightly colored skateboard helmet can also help draw attention and lead to quicker rescue.
How to avoid lightning strikes when encountering thunderstorms during travel?
Self-rescue: In case of lightning, cover your head with clothing.
Quickly cover your head with clothing. Don’t take shelter under tall objects like trees or utility poles. Crouch down with your feet together, arms around your knees, and head lowered to minimize your height.
If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, never hold metal objects, including umbrellas with metal shafts, and avoid using your mobile phone.
What should you do if you encounter heavy rain while driving?
Note: Don’t swerve left and right when you see puddles.
During summer vacation, road trips by car have become a top choice for many. However, many cities experience heavy rainfall, and ensuring safety on the road during wet weather is a top priority for drivers.
Swerving to avoid puddles or slamming on the brakes to slow down are common mistakes. Both actions are actually quite dangerous. Swerving can confuse drivers behind you and lead to accidents. Always check your surroundings carefully when changing lanes. Many car side mirrors lack automatic defogging features, and rainwater can create blind spots. In addition to cleaning them promptly, drivers should stay extra vigilant when merging lanes. In heavy rain, it’s best to turn on your hazard lights. This alerts vehicles behind you and reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions.