TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 54-year-old surnamed Chuang (莊) fell into a deep ravine while hiking central Taiwan’s Fenghuangshan Trail, leaving him trapped for 10 days before being rescued.
Nantou County Fire Department said the man began his solo hike on April 12 before tumbling 10 meters into a ravine. He was unable to walk due to an injury to his right foot and had no cell phone with him to communicate with friends or family.
Chuang, a former plumber, scoured the area and found PVC water pipes laid in the stream by villagers to supply them with fresh water. He was fortunate to have a knife with him, and he cut into the pipes and stuffed them with leaves, disrupting the water supply to the downstream village, per UDN.
His plan played out as expected, as residents eventually sent a group up the mountain to check on their disrupted water supply. After tracing their pipes, they found the injured hiker and notified authorities.
A total of 21 firefighters, police, and volunteers were dispatched, making contact with the injured hiker at 6 p.m. on Sunday (April 21). His vital signs were stable, and he was conscious, though his right foot and left hip were injured.
He was removed from the ravine on a stretcher and sent to a hospital. Nantou County Fire Department reminded the public about the dangers of hiking in the mountains and advised hikers to travel in groups.
Authorities also warned hikers to carry survival equipment, such as headlamps, warm clothes, rain gear, communication equipment, food, and water. If one should encounter problems, dial 119 or 112.
