[INTERVIEW] Greek hiker promotes mental health a year on from Hualien quake rescue

On April 3, 2024, Greek national Dmitris Belbas helped lead 10 people to safety from a rockfall-trapped trail in Hualien County’s Taroko Gorge after a powerful earthquake struck Taiwan. He recounted details of the rescue in an interview with CNA a few days later. In a recent follow-up interview, Belbas revealed that he had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the past year and is now focused on raising awareness of mental health issues and reducing the stigma around seeking help.