Typhoon Baile Disrupts Mountain Communications in Taiwan; Hikers Urged to Prepare

Typhoon Baile, known locally as White Dolphin, is bearing down on Taiwan, creating hazardous conditions and communication blackouts in the mountainous central region. The Central Cross-Island Highway, a popular hiking route, is particularly affected. A crucial base station near Tianchi Mountain Villa has been out of service since being struck by lightning, leaving hikers with extremely unreliable mobile phone signals.

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The base station near Tianchi Mountain Villa is still unrepaired after being struck by lightning, making mobile phone signals in the mountains extremely unstable, possibly rendering calls or internet access completely impossible.

Authorities are urging caution for anyone planning to enter the mountains. The Nantou Forest District Office advises hikers to download offline maps before their trip and to avoid relying solely on real-time communication. They recommend using the 10-kilometer mark on the trail, where communication is more stable, to report their safety to a designated contact person on the plains.

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Hikers must download offline maps before entering the mountains and should not over-rely on real-time mobile communication.

The Nantou Forest District Office also stressed the unpredictable nature of mountain weather during typhoon season. They strongly advise against entering the mountains if a typhoon is forecast. Hikers should be prepared with rain gear and warm clothing to prevent hypothermia. The western section of the Central Cross-Island Highway is particularly prone to landslides, and hikers should retreat immediately if heavy rain or signs of falling rocks appear. The trail will be closed and refunds issued for Tianchi Mountain Villa bookings if a typhoon warning is officially announced.

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If there is a typhoon trend, do not venture into the mountains and be prepared with rain gear and warm clothing to prevent hypothermia.