jul15 2023
In light of recent tragic incidents, it is evident that taiwan needs to take immediate action to ensure the safety of climbers.
Over the long weekend commemorating 228 Memorial Day, search-and-rescue operations were conducted for seven climbing emergencies, three of which resulted in fatalities.
One of the fatal incidents occurred on the nenggao Cross-Ridge Historic Path (能高越嶺古道), which is among Taiwan’s top 15 climbing routes requiring permits. Shockingly, just six days prior to this incident, another climber lost their life on the same path.
In October 2019, the government relaxed requirements and application procedures for 81 trails, making them more accessible. Consequently, when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented a year later, many people flocked to Taiwan’s climbing trails.
Data from the National Fire Agency revealed a significant increase in search-and-rescue missions following climbing incidents, with numbers rising from 231 in 2019 to 608 in 2020—the highest in a decade. Despite trail closures for two months during the pandemic, the agency reported 528 missions in 2021 and 566 last year.
Analysis of emergency calls between 2015 and 2021 showed that the most common reasons for distress were individuals “getting lost or reported missing 43 percent followed by accidents 20 percent diseases and altitude sickness 15 percent and falling off cliffs 11 percent.
Self organized Climbing groups were responsible for the majority of incidents, accounting for 75.6 percent in 2020 and 68 Percent in 2021 followed by solo hikers at 18 percent in 2020 and 12 Percent in 2021.
According to the National Airborne Service Corps the number of helicopter deployments for search-and-rescue operations increased from 78 flights in 2019 to 166 in 2020, 190 in 2021, and 170 last year. Climbing
Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, the National Development Council announced a five-year project in November last year aimed at enhancing the efficiency of mountain rescue operations. The project, scheduled to run from next year to 2028, has a budget of NT$740 million (US$24.2 million) allocated for rescue gear upgrades, enhanced training, and overall improvement.
In the past two years, several public hearings have been conducted to gather input on preventing climbing accidents. Mountain rescue professionals, climbing guides, and experienced hikers have expressed their concerns and made valuable suggestions. Many have pointed out that inexperienced hikers, inspired by images on social media, may attempt challenging ascents without proper equipment or awareness of the risks involved. Others may underestimate seemingly easier one-day hikes or be caught off guard by rapidly changing weather conditions, lacking essential gear, water, and food. In some cases, hikers may overestimate their stamina and skills, leading to unwise decisions.
Many prospective hikers seek climbing companions or groups online. However, these groups often consist of members who are unfamiliar with one another and may not react appropriately or coordinate effectively in emergency situations.
The expertise and qualifications of tour guides leading commercial climbing groups vary greatly, as there is currently no regulatory authority overseeing this sector. There are no regulations regarding the guide-to-hiker ratio, and although the Sports Administration issues certificates for climbing guides, no formal qualifications are required to organize commercial climbing trips.
While hikers bear the responsibility of being prepared before embarking on their journeys, the government must also play its part.
It should not only enhance search-and-rescue capabilities but also establish a unified trail rating system, collaborate with private entities to provide safety information, and regulate climbing companies. Additionally, a clear determination of which government agency should oversee this matter—whether it be the Sports Administration, the Forestry Bureau, the Tourism Bureau, or the Ministry of the Interior—is necessary.
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