TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Heavy rainfall in Kaohsiung over the weekend led rivers and streams to surge in mountainous areas, trapping four different hiking and camping groups.
The Kaohsiung City Fire Department received its first report for assistance on Saturday at 4:14 p.m., according to CNA. The report was that eight people were missing near the Shisankeng Hot Springs (十三坑溫泉).
At about 10 a.m. Sunday, a search and rescue team from the fire department made contact with the group. All members of the group were reported safe and with assistance drove out on their own.
The second request for assistance also took place on Saturday at around 7 p.m., involving a 47-year-old female hiker at Shishan Dongan Campground (石山東鞍營地). Difficult weather conditions led to physical exhaustion as she was unable to walk. On Sunday, a helicopter airlifted her to an awaiting ambulance, which brought her to the hospital at around 11:00 a.m.
A third request occurred at 3 p.m. on Sunday as six people were reported trapped at a campsite near the Lakuyin River (拉庫音溪). An initial assessment deemed they were safe for the time being with an airlift scheduled for Monday.
The final request for emergency assistance occurred on Sunday at 4:42 p.m. when a report was received that six individuals were trapped at a camp near the Laonung River (荖濃溪). The group was rescued by a National Airborne Service Corps helicopter with all individuals reported safe.
