Taiwan park warns hikers to postpone trips as Typhoon Bawei approaches

Authorities at Taiwan's Shei-Pa National Park are issuing urgent warnings to hikers, urging them to postpone or cancel any planned expeditions as Typhoon Bawei approaches the island. The park administration stressed that safety is the top priority, with the message: "The wind and rain will pass, the mountains remain, returning home safely is most important."

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Do not force your departure.

Park officials highlighted the rapid and unpredictable nature of weather changes in high-altitude environments, noting that conditions can deteriorate much faster than in low-lying areas. For long-distance treks like the Xueshan West Ridge or the Holy Ridge, teams must closely track weather patterns and have contingency plans for early descent.

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The wind and rain will pass, the mountains remain, returning home safely is most important!

Hikers are advised to continuously monitor typhoon paths and mountain forecasts. If signs of unstable weather appear, such as increasing winds or persistent rain, they should not hesitate to cancel, postpone, or descend early. The administration also cautioned about the dangers of flash floods in valleys and strong winds and hypothermia on high ridges.

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The speed of weather deterioration in high mountain ridges is far faster than in flat areas.

In preparation, hikers should ensure their satellite communication devices, mobile phones, and power banks are fully charged. Teams on the mountain are required to provide regular safety updates to their contacts on the ground, even if mobile signals are weak. The Shei-Pa National Park Administration stated that if a maritime typhoon warning is issued, all park entries will be suspended in accordance with the law, and the movements of all teams will be closely monitored.

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If the weather shows signs of instability, or if the mountain begins to show signs of strengthening winds and continuous rainfall, do not hesitate and decisively cancel, postpone, or descend early.