With summer vacation approaching, outdoor activities have become the top choice for students who don’t want to stay at home, but recent heavy rains in multiple provinces such as Sichuan and Shaanxi have significantly increased the risks of outdoor sports. Experts warn that outdoor activities during the summer break should be “adjusted according to the rain,” and especially in the near term, they should be minimized as much as possible.
According to incomplete statistics from the Chinese Mountaineering Association, from 2002 to 2013, the number of people who died in mountain floods while participating in outdoor activities consistently ranked among the top three causes of outdoor accident fatalities. Analysis of multiple incidents shows that many of these accidents could have been prevented or avoided.
Mountain microclimates are inherently changeable and unpredictable, and the rainy season makes them even more erratic. Industry insiders advise that travelers should do their homework before setting out. This homework isn't just about checking the weather—it’s even more crucial to fully understand the geographical features such as terrain and landforms of the area where outdoor activities will take place, and to be mentally and equipment-wise prepared for microclimates. Try to avoid setting up camps in riverbeds, riverbanks, stream edges, or valley areas, and pay extra attention to spots close to rock walls.