Taiwan, an island country 1,246 miles east of China and home to 23 million people was hit by typhoon Morakot on Friday August 7th. Initial reports are that at least 7 people have been killed and several hundred are missing including an entire village of 600 completely wiped out by mud slides.
A missionary serving in the area is reporting: “Our church family came through fine, though our church did suffer some serious cosmetic damage to the face of the building from the wind. They are saying that this was a 50 year typhoon. It was not the strongest typhoon in strength, but it did more damage to the southern end of Taiwan (where we are) than any typhoon in the last 50 years. It basically camped on top of us for more than 48 hours before finally moving on. Very powerful sustained winds and torrential rains brought trees down everywhere and some areas have had severe flooding.
Needed Prayer
We just heard the news report about a remote mountain village in our own county which had its communications cut off by the storm. Today, a day after the storm, when some one finally went out to check on them they discovered that the whole village had simply been wiped away by landslides and flooding and not a single person remained. The death toll could top 800 people.
Please keep us in your prayers as our church is experiencing an amazing growth spurt and tremendous spiritual blessings. But the pressures are great on our family and team as we try to train workers to help carry the load of ministry.”
Relief Organization on the Ground in Taiwan
World Vision is responding with help to the victims.
From their website: In the wake of Typhoon Morakot, World Vision is providing food, clean water, and cleaning materials to affected households in southern Taiwan.
“The most pressing needs now are providing shelter, food, and clean water for those who have had to evacuate their homes,” says Hank Du, executive director for World Vision in Taiwan. “We also want to make sure the children are secure and have a safe place where they are cared for.”
Click here to donate to World Vision’s Emergency Relief Fund
Related Links:
- Big Picture: Taiwan Typhoon Pictures
- Taipei Times: Downpour continues to pummel south
- New York Times: Taiwan Mudslide May Have Buried 600 Villagers
- New York Times Map to path of Morakot
- Google News Search
Related Articles:
- Live Blogging Interview with Missionary to Taiwan
- Helping Flood Victims for the Long-Term
- Victims in the Philippines Battered by Storms Need Your Help
- World Vision Launches Relief Efforts in the Philippines and Pre-positions Supplies in Taiwan
- World Vision Says Asian Disasters Should Be Wake-Up Call For Global Leaders
Update from a missionary that serves in Taiwain:
I just phoned Taiwan. Our church and many houses were flooded about calf hgh. But already the water has gone down and clean up has taken place. To our knowledge, all our church people are doing fine–with only property loss. There doesn’t seem to be danger of disease.
here’s another article that updates us:
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2009/08/11/2003450892
I think that for people who want to help, giving donations through World Vision is the easiest and most efficient way to help out:
http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=1753160§ion=10324&go=item&