In the early hours of July 22, eight hikers camping overnight along the riverbed canyon of the Qixingtan section of the Turpan River in Neixiang County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, were hit by a sudden flash flood. Five were swept away by the floodwaters, two of whom died and one remains missing. On July 21, heavy rain triggered a once-in-50-years catastrophic flash flood at Yesanpo Scenic Area in Laishui, Hebei, stranding tens of thousands of tourists. Two female tourists from Dongying City (around 40 years old) tragically lost their lives in the floodwaters.
Similar incidents happen in different locations, repeating the same tragedies over and over. The sensational “First Case of Outdoor Sports” back in 2006 was caused by camping in a river valley. Even after so many years, this cautionary tale still fails to alert new hikers—a truly sad state of affairs. It’s important to know that flash floods can occur just two to three hours after heavy rainfall. Flash floods strike swiftly and unexpectedly. Never camp in riverbeds or valleys during the rainy season—that’s basic common sense in outdoor safety.
Some hikers naively assume that outdoor activities should involve an element of “wilderness survival,” thus adopting an attitude of “come rain or shine.” This mindset is highly inadvisable. Analysts explain: “This summer has seen more rainfall than usual. In mountainous areas around northern cities like Beijing, the soil on hillsides is usually relatively dry. But when soaked by heavy rains, the soil composition changes. As a result, even familiar trails may harbor unknown dangers. Therefore, it is advised that hikers avoid traveling during or immediately after rain.”
Vegetation in northern mountains often consists mainly of low shrubs with shallow roots, and even some artificially planted trees have superficial root systems. Many hikers are used to grabbing onto trees for support while hiking. But after rain, the soil becomes soft and these trees are often unstable. Using them as anchor points for climbing can easily lead to falls. Hikers are advised to avoid mountainous areas with loose soil, sparse and weak vegetation, and instead opt for rocky terrains which are relatively safer. Also, try not to climb uncharted or wild mountains.
The barrier to entry for outdoor sports is now very low, and some inexperienced ‘newbies’ who are unfamiliar with outdoor safety rules venture out recklessly, easily putting themselves in danger and also complicating rescue efforts. To prevent disasters before they happen and to know how to respond to emergencies during sudden disasters in summer, the following self-rescue methods must be well understood:
Avoid entering mountains during consecutive rainy days
Always check the local weather forecast before heading out. If there is continuous rainfall, do not enter the mountains. It’s also essential to assess the terrain of the hiking route. Before setting off, familiarize yourself with the condition of local mountains, including whether the vegetation is lush, and whether landslides or mudslides have occurred in the past—this knowledge helps in dealing with sudden disasters. Muddy river water and rising water levels are signs of an impending flash flood and can help you make judgment calls.
How to take shelter when a flash flood strikes
If a flash flood occurs, don’t panic. Observe your surroundings and quickly move to a safe place. Never run in the direction of the flood—instead, head for higher ground. Seek shelter halfway up a mountain where there are plenty of trees, solid soil, and no streams, and wait for rescue.
While waiting for rescue, stay calm and try to save yourself if possible. Use any floating objects nearby to move to safety. If you can’t evacuate in time, immediately grab onto sturdy objects like large trees or high walls for temporary shelter.
How equipment can keep you safe
Dangers are everywhere during outdoor activities in the rainy season. Along with common threats like flash floods brought by heavy rain, lightning strikes are another hazard often overlooked. Additionally, the right gear can also help reduce risks. When engaging in outdoor activities in the rainy season, choose a plastic raincoat over an umbrella—which can attract lightning (most umbrellas have metal handles and are not recommended in severe thunderstorms). It’s best to wear rubber-soled sports shoes before setting out. Try to avoid carrying metal items such as keys or accessories, and refrain from camping at mountaintops or open areas to prevent lightning strikes.