Traveling is meant to be enjoyable, but in summer, seasonal disasters such as typhoons, landslides, and mudslides occur frequently, often leading to road closures, flight disruptions, and tourists being stranded.
Thunderstorm Weather: Beware of Lightning Strikes
It is quite common to encounter thunderstorms while traveling outdoors in the summer.
Special Reminder: Being inside a car is an ideal place to take shelter from lightning. Even if lightning strikes the car, it rarely harms the occupants.
Flash Floods: Escape to Higher Ground
If you encounter waterlogged roads or areas where water levels are rising rapidly, immediately turn your vehicle around and leave the area—do not attempt to force your way through.
If your car accidentally drives through water and stalls, both passengers and the driver must evacuate the vehicle immediately—do not try to restart the engine.
If your car is submerged, as it sinks, try to open the doors as quickly as possible and get out to reach safety. Otherwise, there is a risk of suffocation inside the vehicle.
Special Reminder: If a flash flood occurs and you cannot move forward or go back, find a flat area on higher ground or a cave at elevation, far away from the flood path, to take shelter and call for help.
Encountering a Mudslide: Move Perpendicular and Climb Higher
Once you spot a mudslide, immediately move perpendicular to its direction and climb up the slopes on either side. The higher and faster you climb, the better. Absolutely do not move downstream or take shelter under steep mountain slopes. It’s important to note that climbing trees is not a safe option, as the force of a mudslide can easily sweep away all obstacles in its path.
Special Reminder: After prolonged rainfall, when heavy rain subsides or has just stopped, do not immediately return to the danger zone, as mudslides often occur with a delay after the rain.
During a mudslide, run toward the slopes on either side
If you encounter a mudslide while driving on a road, leave the scene immediately, abandon your vehicle, and evacuate toward higher ground on either side of the road.
If you are in a scenic area, river valley, or other low-lying terrain during a mudslide, move perpendicular to the flow and climb up the surrounding slopes as high as possible until you are completely out of the affected area.
Effective Outdoor Distress Signals: Shouting Alone Won’t Work
In the wilderness, shouting alone won't effectively convey a distress signal. If you have a survival whistle, you can use Morse code SOS — three short, three long, and three short blasts — to send a rescue signal. Blow in a steady rhythm and repeat consistently. Even if rescuers don’t know Morse code, the pattern will catch their attention.
If you have no equipment except for a hat, then waving it also involves technique. You can use a headscarf, hat, clothing, or similar items to make slow, deliberate figure-eight motions facing the direction of potential rescuers. This regular, prolonged movement can draw attention. After sending the signal, continue to repeat it until rescuers approach you.
Rainy Day Driving Safety Tips
Drivers should reduce speed appropriately, increase following distance, and turn on the car headlights, especially during heavy rain.
Slippery Roads in the Rain: Brake Properly
Avoid: When driving in the rain, do not drive too fast. Especially on highways, reduce your speed by about 20% compared to sunny conditions, and never perform emergency braking.
Recommended: Be particularly cautious during the first few minutes of rainfall—they are the most dangerous. During this time, reduce speed and avoid sudden braking.