On April 3, a massive earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 7.2 to 7.4 on the Richter scale, hit Taiwan hard. 16 dead according to the latest reports, and more than 1,100 injured.
National parks were also affected, such as Taroko, located in eastern Taiwan. Parts of the Taroko Gorge, known for its rugged terrain and steep cliffs, suffered significant damage, including from rockfalls and landslides. But good news for hikers: Taroko has partially reopened to the public. The area around Mount Hehuan reopens on April 12, while other parts of the park will be accessible again from April 16, including one of the main trails leading to Mount Nanhu, Pingfeng Mountain and Mount Shuan. “The park urges visitors to exercise caution and avoid entering damaged areas,” the park warns on its site. As a reminder, Taroko National Park, renowned for its waterfalls, tunnels and suspension bridges, attracted 3.45 million visitors in 2023.