At 7:58 am on April 3, 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred in the eastern ocean of Taiwan. Due to the extremely high magnitude and continuous aftershocks, Central Cross-Island Highway, Xiaozuilu, Shakadang, Yanzikou etc. in the Taroko National Park were seriously damaged. Famous scenic spots on the trail such as Jiuqudong were damaged as well. On April 23, 2024, multiple, continuous, shallow and significant earthquakes with magnitude 6 or above occurred in the east again. Rocks continued to fall on the Central Cross-Island Highway and various trails. To protect the safety of tourists, the trails between the gorge section of the park remain closed.
The 19-kilometer section from Taroko Arch Gate to Tianxiang is the main area with severe landslides and extreme instability after this earthquake. It is also the only way to the Hehuan Mountains from the east. Although the highway has been actively opened, there is still a considerable high potential risk of rockfall. Since it is the flowering season of Yushan Rhododendron and Taiwan Alpine Rhododendron in Hehuan District, we urge the public to avoid using the Eastern Central Cross-Island Highway to Hehuan District during this period. Tourists are advised to go to Hehuan District from the west via Provincial Highway 14A to enjoy the flowers to avoid dangerous rockfall accident!
Taroko National Park Headquarters reminds everyone that because the trails in Hehuan Mountain are located in remote mountainous areas, the weather changes greatly. While enjoying the flowers, everyone should also be prepared for cold and rain, assess their physical condition, and set a return time or location to improve safety.