Two siblings were discovered shivering in a remote mountainous area after fleeing their home out of fear of being scolded by their parents for not completing their schoolwork.
According to reports by Hong Kong 01, the children — a 12-year-old boy and his 11-year-old sister — ran away from their residence in Gansu Province around 6pm on February 27.
After realizing their children were missing, the parents filed a police report, prompting authorities to launch a large-scale search operation.
Massive Search Operation Deployed
The rescue involved over 30 personnel, aided by tracking dogs and thermal imaging drones, working under cold, rainy conditions. Temperatures at the time reportedly hovered around 1°C, while the children were dressed only in light clothing.
The siblings intentionally hid from rescuers, moving away whenever they spotted flashlights or heard calls from search teams.
Children Rescued After 14 Hours
After 14 hours of searching, the pair were finally found at approximately 10am the following day in a remote mountain ravine.
They were reportedly shivering uncontrollably, with pale faces and blue-tinged lips due to prolonged exposure to the cold. Medical personnel confirmed the children suffered mild hypothermia but were in stable condition after receiving treatment.
Authorities Advise Parents
Following the incident, local police advised parents against putting excessive pressure on children regarding academics, emphasizing the importance of open communication and attention to children’s mental health.
Experts note that incidents like this highlight the need for balancing academic expectations with the emotional well-being and safety of children.
