World Vision Taiwan declares Typhoon Morakot Category II, Level 1 response

In the wake of torrential rain and destruction brought by Typhoon Morakot, World Vision Taiwan has declared a Category II, Level 1 response. The typhoon struck Taiwan on August 7 and 8 bringing heavy rainfall causing flooding and mudslides around the country.      

"Typhoon Morakot’s impact has been devastating," said Hank Du, Executive Director for World Vision Taiwan. "Many children and families have had their homes and livelihoods swept away. Our prayers are with them and with those grieving the loss of loved ones."

"We will work quickly to restore hope for children who have lost everything."

Government authorities have confirmed that the disaster caused 126 deaths, while over 300 were missing, 45 were injured and 24,775 were evacuated, with 4,920 people now living in 49 shelters. The death toll is expected to increase, however, as there are still hundreds missing in the mountains and feared buried under the mudslides.

Eight World Vision registered children are confirmed dead.

This was the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in the past 50 years.

World Vision Taiwan has had a significant domestic ministry, especially in remote areas. In the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Morakot, relief goods were already pre-positioned in many of the affected areas enabling staff to quickly respond and reach people with aid, such as food, clean water, and basic hygiene kits.

World Vision is currently running relief activities serving 4,000 people in 30 shelters across six counties: Pingtung, Taitung, Chiayi, Kaoshiung, and Nantou.

Five hundred staff and over 1,000 volunteers have been mobilised to distribute relief kits and set up child friendly spaces.

There have been eight child-friendly spaces (CFS) launched so far, with over 280 children participating in CFS activities. Another two will be set up soon.

A domestic appeal to corporate and individual donors has been launched to raise NT500 million ($15 million USD) for relief and rehabilitation projects over the next three years.

In the mountainous regions of south and east Taiwan, mudslides have partially or completely buried villages. Roads and bridges were heavily damaged causing major difficulties for aid workers attempting to rescue survivors and deliver aid.

Over the past week, the Government of Taiwan and military authorities have worked to rescue thousands of people stranded in the mountains.

Massive flooding in low lying areas has washed away homes and businesses, leaving behind a significant clean-up effort ahead.

Thousands of evacuees from the mountains or flooded areas are staying at shelters established by local authorities or finding refuge with friends and relatives.