The pensioner, who had no provisions with him on the hike, managed to survive on stream water by absorbing the liquid with a damp cloth.

The article explains how lost hikers can find help and survive in the wilderness until help arrives.

1. How do I find help?

Lobo Louie Hung-tak, deputy head of the Department of Health and Sports at the Hong Kong Normal University, stressed the importance of avoiding solo hiking as it carries a higher accident rate.

He said if a hiker gets lost, their first priority is to try to explore their surroundings, assess potential risks such as heat exhaustion, and seek help wherever possible.

Hikers should retrace their steps on marked or known trails and not venture into unknown areas, he added.

He said inexperienced hikers often try to keep going in the hope of finding an exit.

Louie recommends carrying a map and compass and downloading the government app “HKSOS” to notify emergency services and rescue services in case hikers get lost.

The app also enables precise location determination, even without cell phone reception.

“If you walk for about 15 minutes on hiking trails in Hong Kong, you’ll probably come across large footpaths where you’re much safer,” he said.

Louie also urged hikers to remain calm and contact emergency services by phone.

2. How do I find protection?

An ideal shelter is a place that protects the hiker from the wind and helps him or her to retain warmth. At the same time, proximity to water sources is important to prevent dehydration.

Those options included caves and staying under trees, since local wildlife, with the exception of bees and snakes, generally pose little threat, Louie said.

3. How do you make stream water drinkable?

Louie said running water from streams or rivers in Hong Kong is generally safe to drink, but condensation on plant surfaces could also be a possibility.

However, he warned against drinking water from unknown plants as some species could be poisonous.

The expert advised hikers to familiarize themselves with the locations of water sources in the areas they plan to travel.

4. And what about food?

Hikers can test fruits or leaves by rubbing them on their skin and lips to see if any side effects occur, he said, adding that if no itching or irritation occurs, it is generally safe to consume.

Worms and small animals can also provide valuable protein, he said.

Louie stressed the importance of making decisions based on the immediate risks of the situation, noting that there are no one-size-fits-all rules when it comes to survival.