Typhoon Update

Impact on Taiwan

On August 7, 2009 Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan bringing extremely heavy rain to the southern part of the island. Over 3 meters of rain fell over several days resulting in the worst flooding in Taiwan for 50 years and severe mudslides in mountain areas. Entire villages were wiped away and roads leading to the most devastated areas were destroyed. The worst hit areas were the south-west hills of Kaohsiung County and the east cost near Taitung. The communities affected are some of the poorest in Taiwan and include many aboriginal villages.

Even now rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage and death toll is not known. Over 130 have been confirmed dead but many are missing and estimates of the final death toll range from 500 up to 1000 people. About 25,000 people in total have been affected.

The flooding destroyed a large number of bridges, roads, and houses in the lowlands and washed away crops across a wide area which will cause significant financial hardship to farmers. The estimated cost of the damage to crops, homes and infrastructure is over US$3 billion and it is thought that it will take at least 6 months just to rebuild roads.

The disaster has had political ramifications. Many accusations have been made that the government were unprepared and failed to respond promptly and effectively to the crisis. Already a number of high level officials have resigned. Questions are also being asked about the impact of de-forestation, water diversion and other projects which have affected the environment and possibly worsened the effects of landslides and flooding.

Church Response

The local Taiwanese churches are well resourced and have have responded promptly with large numbers of volunteers travelling to the disaster areas to help relief efforts. Churches and Christian organisations are making plans for both medium and long-term relief in the affected areas.

OMF Taiwan does not have any workers based in the worst affected areas and none of our missionaries were injured. A few suffered minor flooding and water and electricity cuts in the week following the typhoon. A number of OMF missionaries based in southern Taiwan have travelled to the disaster area along with local volunteers to help dig mud, clean houses and distribute relief supplies. OMF Taiwan does not have any plans for an independent response but will continue to work with and support local church efforts where-ever possible.

Mud left by Typhoon Morakot

Helping clean up after Typhoon Morakot

Donations

If you wish to make a donation to support the relief efforts we recommend giving to one of the following organizations.

World Vision: World Vision has already been working in the affected areas for a number of years and is positioned to respond quickly to provide relief. An English description of their relief work and details of how to give (including online donations) can be found at www.worldvision.org.tw/en/news-090814.htm

Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA): CCRA works with local churches to provide relief work throughout Taiwan. They have been active mobilising volunteers and providing relief in affected areas. A description of their immediate and long-term relief efforts, along with details about how to donate can be found at www.1919.org.tw/2009/typhoon08/english/ . They also have facility for online donations at www.ccra.org.tw (Chinese only site).

For prayer

* Pray for the ongoing rescue and emergency relief efforts. There may still be people trapped in the hills who have not yet been found.

* Pray for adequate shelter for those who have been displaced and for protection against the spread of disease amongst those who are living in temporary shelters.

* Pray for political co-operation amongst different parties to work for the effective rebuilding of infrastructure and communities.

* Pray for the task of individuals and families rebuilding emotionally. Pray that the church may be able to address these needs, help those traumatised, provide effective counsel and offer hope.

* Pray that this disaster will be a wake-up call to those Christians who have become complacent and move the church to more effectively serve the people of Taiwan.

* Pray that God would use this tragedy to challenge to the people of Taiwan to turn from idols to serve the living and true God.

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