(FWA 2025/12/31)With the recent arrival of a cold air mass, temperatures in high-altitude mountain areas have dropped suddenly, leading to snowfall. Mountaineering safety has become a critical concern as Shei-Pa and Yushan National Parks have successively reported tragic incidents of hikers dying from hypothermia or going missing. The Fire Agency warns that environments with low temperatures, strong winds, and snow accumulation significantly increase the risks of hypothermia, slipping, falling, and getting lost. Furthermore, communication signals are poor in some high-mountain sections, making rescue operations extremely difficult. The public is urged to carefully assess whether to proceed with high-mountain activities.
The Fire Agency appeals to the public that if they still need to go mountaineering, they must check the weather and snow conditions in advance and carry complete equipment, including: sufficient warm clothing (including windproof and waterproof outer layers), spare dry clothing, headlamps with spare batteries, positioning devices or satellite communication equipment, power banks, high-calorie food and water, first aid and thermal insulation supplies (emergency blankets), and maps or offline navigation tools. Additionally, a hiking plan must be reported.
The Fire Agency reminds everyone again that mountain environments change rapidly under low-temperature weather conditions. Please do not underestimate natural risks. Safety should be the highest principle to avoid tragedy and give peace of mind to your family.
