43 people trapped by rising stream: weather bureau warns extremely torrential rain on the way

More than forty people in 17 vehicles are trapped in a streambed at a popular hot springs camping area in a mountain district of Yilan County this morning, and the Central Weather Bureau has issued an extremely heavy rain advisory for the area.

Liberty Times Network reported that a large number of tourists camped on the Qingshui River next to the Qingshui Geothermal Recreation Area in Datong Township last night when “unexpectedly” heavy rain began to fall, causing the creek to swell. However, the rain was not unexpected according to the Central Weather Bureau who issued heavy rain reports for the area and much of northern and northeastern Taiwan yesterday.

The Central Weather Bureau upgraded advisories this morning, issuing an Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory at 9:35 am. The advisory warned of extremely torrential rain in mountain districts of Yilan County, and heavy rain in other areas of Yilan County, Keelung City, and parts of New Taipei City, and Taipei City from late this morning until tonight.

Rescue teams from the Yilan County Fire Bureau rushed to the area where the campers were trapped this morning. One driver attempted to cross the swollen river, but became stuck in the middle of the turgid stream. Fortunately, the driver was rescued by the firefighters.

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