Thanks for condolences and assistance to Taiwan’s typhoon victims

This past weekend, Taiwan was hit with Typhoon Morakot, which dropped as much as 80 inches of rain. The flooding that followed was the worst the island has seen in the past half-century. The landslides and flooding have made getting help to some remote mountainous areas in southern Kaohsiung County almost impossible, with roads washed away and helicopter landing difficult in the slippery landscape. According to the Central Emergency Operation Center, the disaster has left 41 dead, 35 injured and 600 still missing.

Taiwan’s government has rallied quickly to help those in need of funds and temporary shelter. The central government will provide pre-fabricated shelter and low-interest reconstruction loans. The Executive Yuan estimates about NT$20 billion (US$609 million) is currently available from various budgetary sources for relief and reconstruction efforts. Premier Liu Chao-shiuan has instructed all relevant ministries and agencies to submit their respective budgets so the Executive Yuan may decide how to best provide assistance and if additional funding is needed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanked the international community on August 10th for its condolences to the stricken families in the disaster areas.

The local governments will be providing relocation funding to families whose homes were destroyed or washed away. Those wishing to relocate can receive grant of NT$20,000 (US$608) per person, up to NT$100,000 (US$3,039) per household. The Relieve Disaster Foundation is also offering relocation money up to NT$20,000 (US$608). Families who have lost a loved one will receive NT$1 million (US$30,488) in condolence money.

For those wishing to help after seeing the horrific damaged caused by Typhoon Marakot, the government has set up an account for accepting donations.

Ministry of the Interior Donation Account
Mega International Commercial Bank
Account No. 007-09-087816
Swift Code: ICBCTWTP007
Local TECO Office: (415) 362-7680