Typhoon Barway forces closure of Taichung mountain road

Authorities in Taichung's Heping District have closed the Xue Shan Keng industrial road, a route leading to the popular 'Giant's Hand' scenic spot, as a precautionary measure against the approaching Typhoon Barway. The decision comes amid heightened alerts for mountainous areas expected to experience intensified rainfall.

The road, specifically a 1.5-kilometer stretch, has already been severely impacted by continuous heavy downpours since late August. Multiple large-scale landslides have occurred, saturating the soil and increasing the risk of further collapses, falling rocks, and mudslides when the typhoon brings strong winds and rain. The closure is intended to prevent any potential accidents and ensure public safety.

"Do not enter the mountains, do not wade through water, do not break into controlled areas" are the key principles for safeguarding lives during the typhoon, according to Heping District's public affairs director. The steep terrain surrounding the Xue Shan Keng hiking trail and the 'Giant's Hand' area has already shown signs of significant instability, making the risk of debris flows and rockfalls considerably higher.

City officials are actively monitoring the situation, particularly the condition of mountain roads and slopes, and are prepared to implement emergency response measures as needed. Residents and tourists are urged to stay informed about the latest weather advisories from the Central Weather Administration and the city government, and to avoid any activities in mountainous regions during the typhoon period. The focus remains on preparedness and ensuring the well-being of everyone in the affected areas.

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Do not enter the mountains, do not wade through water, do not break into controlled areas.