TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) helicopter airlifted a digger to remote Datong and Dali villages within Taroko National Park on Monday (July 8).
Landslides triggered by the April 3 earthquake blocked the roads leading into the two villages. While villagers can get out via trails, transporting goods has become a significant challenge, per CNA.
Hualien County Fire Department Deputy Director-General Wu Zhao-yuan (吳兆遠) told CNA that NASC typically conducts rescues for stranded climbers. However, the Hualien County Government requested their assistance since there was no other way to reach the villages.
Wu said the digger and its parts were airlifted in three separate flights due to weight restrictions. The county government also requested an army instructor and special nets to ensure safety during the operation.
Taroko National Park acting director Lin Chung-shan (林忠衫) deployed national park personnel to the villages to help assemble the digger and assist the Taroko Tonli Ecology Self-governance Society (TTESS) with repairing the roads to the villages.
TTESS Director Li Hui-lien (李慧蓮) expressed gratitude to climbers and villagers who funded the NT$1.05 million (US$32,344) digger purchase and acknowledged the support from Asia Cement Corp, the Hualien County Government, and Shlin Township. Li said many roads connecting the villages to the outside world remain damaged, but with the new equipment, residents can now make the repairs themselves.
Shlin Township Mayor Sitang Yuci (王玫瑰) said Datong and Dali villages, located roughly 800 to 900 meters above sea level, have a population of around 30 residents. The villages are located between Sakadang Gorge and Qingshui Mountain and boast rich natural resources.