Four dead in Taiwan rockfall; expert urges caution in rainy season

A devastating rockfall on the Butterfly Valley Waterfall Trail in Taichung City's Heping District has claimed four lives and left one person injured. The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 27, when a group of 16 hikers was suddenly struck by a massive cascade of falling rocks.

While the exact cause of the tragedy is under investigation, a seasoned mountaineering leader, identified only by his surname Zhang, issued a stark warning. He emphasized that recent frequent rainfall in the mountainous regions significantly elevates the inherent risks. "The mountains are always there, but life is only once," Zhang urged, imploring the public not to brave the wilderness during the rainy season simply to stick to a pre-set itinerary.

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The mountains are always there, but life is only once.

Zhang, who has over a decade of experience leading expeditions, noted an increase in hikers in recent years. Many, he observed, treat lower-altitude suburban mountains as mere recreational spots, neglecting how drastically the environment can change with weather. Continuous rain during the wet season, he explained, can loosen slopes, trigger landslides, cause rivers to swell, and make trails treacherous. Even areas that are not high mountains can harbor fatal dangers.

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Many people have already arranged their itineraries and are reluctant to cancel, but they overlook that nature never conforms to human plans.

He pointed to the Guguan area, where the Butterfly Valley is located, as an example. Its beautiful waterfalls and streams attract many visitors, but the persistently humid environment has led to repeated rockfalls and damage to facilities. The risk escalates dramatically after prolonged rainfall. "Many people have already arranged their itineraries and are reluctant to cancel, but they overlook that nature never conforms to human plans," Zhang stated.

Beyond getting lost or falling, Zhang warned that rockfalls, landslides, debris flows, flash floods, and even earthquakes can claim lives rapidly and often without warning. He stressed the importance of not only meticulous route planning and equipment preparation but also close monitoring of weather forecasts. If the weather is poor, he advised, it is crucial to decisively cancel or postpone the trip. He cautioned against gambling with fate, noting that even experienced climbers know when to retreat. "The mountains won't disappear; if you don't go today, you can go another time. But if you gamble with your life for a single trip, there will be no next time." He concluded that knowing when to give up is not cowardice but the most responsible choice for oneself, companions, and family.

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The mountains won't disappear; if you don't go today, you can go another time. But if you gamble with your life for a single trip, there will be no next time.