50 tourists trapped at forest recreation area in central Taiwan due to landslide

Taipei, June 20 (CNA) Fifty tourists visiting the Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area in Taichung, central Taiwan, were stranded on the mountain Friday after a landslide blocked the road down the mountain.

No injuries were reported, according to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Taichung Branch, which said the tourists are currently sheltering at a nearby visitor center that provides food and beverages while they wait for the road to be cleared.

The landslide occurred at around 1:40 p.m. near the entrance to the recreation area and was likely triggered by several days of rainfall, the agency said.

The agency added that the recreation area has been closed and will not reopen until road access is restored and it is declared safe to visit.

Taichung was among 16 municipalities for which the Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a heavy rain alert at 4:35 p.m. Friday. The alert covered most areas across Taiwan, except for Keelung, Hsinchu City and Taitung County.

The CWA warned that regional showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in affected areas, and urged residents in low-lying regions to be alert for landslides, falling rocks, and rivers bursting their banks.