Typhoon Morakot Relief Response Report 3
Updated 2 September 2009

Since Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan on August 7 and 8, World Vision Taiwan has been actively responding to the storm’s devastating aftermath. World Vision staff and volunteers from across the country have been delivering immediate relief to affected areas in Pingtung, Taitung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung.

As the situation in affected areas is stabilising, World Vision has moved toward developing long-term rehabilitation plans, which will include housing reconstruction, establishing Child Friendly Spaces and addressing the growing educational needs of children as the school year is set to begin in a few weeks.

World Vision’s Relief Response

• Provided immediate relief in 39 shelters in Pingtung, Taitung, Chiayi and Kaohsiung counties. World Vision distributed food, clean water and 1,627 relief kits, which contained items such as flashing lights, radios, raincoats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste and towels. An estimated 5,000 people have benefited from World Vision relief activities.

• Established nine Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) to care for nearly 300 affected children in Jinfong and Dawu Townships of Taitung County, Jiatung and Sandimen Townships of Pingtung County and Chishan Township of Kaohsiung County. CFS in these areas were set up within four days after Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan. There are plans to establish additional CFS in Liouguei Township of Kaohsiung County and Hsinyi Township of Nantou County.

• Through Child Friendly Spaces, children receive psychosocial support through play therapy and various creative activities under the guidance of trained social workers and volunteers. If children are suffering from serious distress, World Vision will refer them to professional counseling center or medical institute to receive treatment.   

• Recruited over 1,000 volunteers to support aid distribution to affected families, care for children and the injured, and assist with the home clean up effort as flood waters receded.

World Vision’s Recovery Response

In the coming weeks, World Vision is committed to:

• Construct 940 temporary homes in Pingtung, 200 houses in Taitung, 200-300 houses in Kaohsiung for affected families. World Vision will also work to build homes in Chiayi.

• World Vision homes will be different from commonly used prefabricated houses. The construction materials are light, environmental friendly and can be recycled. Once the land is ready, these homes can be completed in two or three weeks.

• Provide school supplies and tuition aid for students affected by Typhoon Morakot before the new school year begins next month. 

The road to recovery is lengthy and full of challenges. World Vision calls on the public to continue to care for the affected people and pledge their contributions for the long term rehabilitation efforts.