World Vision Taiwan is providing immediate relief to families affected in the wake of Typhoon Morakot’s destructive path. World Vision has provided food, clean water and cleaning materials to households in Pingtung and Taitung with plans to distribute more food, non-food items and emergency aid subsidies in the intitial stages of the relief effort.

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 have destroyed bridges and roads, and submerged many homes forcing residents to evacuate and stay in shelters.

“Many of the affected live in remote areas and the roads are in bad condition. The roads 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.

World Vision has been working in some of the affected areas for many years and had supplies already pre-positioned to quickly start Typhoon Morakot relief activities. In addition to food and cleaning supplies, relief kits were also distributed which contained items such as flashing light, radio, raincoats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and towels. As of Sunday evening, August 9, World Vision has distributed 400 packs of relief kit in the shelter at Taimali Township, Taitung, and 60 boxes of mineral water and 284 packs of relief kit in the shelter at Jiadug Township, Pingtung.

As the scope of damage is vast, World Vision Taiwan is appealing for more relief resources, rescue cars and volunteers. Corporations and individuals are invited to join World Vision’s relief work by donating funds or relief resources. World Vision is seeking donations for the following supplies especially: rice, instant noodles, canned food, oils, cooking utensils, mineral water, clothes, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping bags, and cleaning materials.

World Vision staff will continue to help households assess the severity of property damage and losses to provide appropriate emergency aid so families can begin a swift recovery.

For corporations or private individuals who would like to give toward the Typhoon Morakot relief effort, donations can be made to the 30 Hour Famine Campaign. Every year World Vision raises funds for emergency relief situations in Taiwan and around the world through the 30 Hour Famine Campaign.

For the Typhoon Morakot response, World Vision aims to raise NT$150,000,000 to provide emergency relief and rehabilitation support for families affected by Typhoon Morakot’s.