First aid agency World Vision Taiwan is providing immediate relief to affected families in the wake of Typhoon Morakot's destructive path.
Taiwan, August 10, 2009
World Vision has provided food, clean water and cleaning materials to households in southern Taiwan with plans to distribute more food, non-food items and emergency aid subsidies in the intitial stages of the relief effort.
On Sunday, August 9, World Vision began providing emergency assistance to 700 people in shelters at Taimali Township, Taitung and Jiadug Township, Pingtung. In addition to food and cleaning supplies, some 684 relief kits containing flash lights, radio, raincoats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and towels were also distributed.
World Vision had already been working in some of the affected areas for many years with supplies pre-positioned to enable a quick start-up for Typhoon Morakot relief activities.
Typhoon Morakot pummeled Taiwan on Aug. 7- 8 causing wide-spread damage in southern and eastern Taiwan. Although the winds of Typhoon Morakot were not as severe, the storm dropped heavy amounts of rain, especially in Pingtung and Taitung which received record-breaking rainfall. Massive flooding has damaged transportation infrastructure and submerged many homes forcing residents to evacuate and stay in shelters or find temporary housing with friends and relatives.
"The most pressing needs now are providing shelter, food, and clean water for those who have had to evacuate their homes. We also want to make sure the children are secure and have a safe place where they are cared for," says Hank Du, Executive Director for World Vision Taiwan.
According to news agencies, an estimated 50,000 people remain stranded in southern Taiwan with rescue teams working to reach them.
"Many of the affected live in remote areas and the roads are in bad condition. Highways and bridges are flooded and blocked by mudslides, fallen trees and other large debris. For those who can't reach shelters, we are working to find way to bring aid to them," said Wesley Chen, Southern Area Office's Manger for World Vision.
To date, families and children in accessible World Vision program areas are safe, however, many of their homes have been damaged or destroyed. There are mountainous areas that remain cut-off from aid workers where the status of communities is still unknown.
For the Typhoon Morakot response, World Vision aims to raise NT$25,000, 000 (approx $780,000USD) to provide emergency relief and rehabilitation support for families affected by Typhoon Morakot's. The appeal for funding will be made domestically to corporations, major donors, and the general public.
"We pray the floodwaters will recede quickly so people can return home and begin the recovery process," says Mr. Du.
For expert interviews or further information please contact Albert Yu, Communications Manager:
Office: +886 2175-1996 (ext 361)
Mobile: +886 910-708-012
Email: Albert_Yu@wvi.org
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A motorist with her head covered struggles to ride a scooter amidst strong winds brought about by typhoon Morakot in Nanjing, Jiangsu province August 10, 2009. Typhoon Morakot battered China's commercial ...
