TAIPEI, Taiwan (Aug. 10, 2009) - World Vision is providing immediate relief to affected families in the wake of Typhoon Morakot’s destructive path. World Vision began providing emergency assistance to 700 people in shelters at Taimali Township, Taitung and Jiadug Township, Pingtung in southern Taiwan.

World Vision has also provided food, clean water and cleaning materials to households in southern Taiwan with plans to distribute more food, non-food items and emergency aid subsidies in the initial stages of the relief effort. In addition, 684 relief kits containing flashlights, radio, raincoats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste and towels were distributed.

“The most pressing needs now are providing shelter, food and clean water for those who have had to evacuate their homes. We also want to make sure the children are secure and have a safe place where they are cared for,” said Hank Du, Executive Director for World Vision Taiwan.

World Vision had been working in some of the affected areas for many years and has been working to pre-position supplies in order to enable a quick start-up for emergency situations such as this. World Vision began working in Taiwan in 1964.

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

To date, families and children in accessible World Vision program areas are safe, however many of their homes have been damaged or destroyed. There are mountainous areas that remain cut-off from aid workers where the status of communities is still unknown. World Vision Canada does not have child sponsorship programs in Taiwan.

“We pray the floodwaters will recede quickly so people can return home and begin the recovery process,” said Mr. Du. 

Typhoon Morakot pummeled Taiwan on August 7 causing wide-spread damage in southern and eastern parts of the country. 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 has damaged transportation infrastructure and submerged many homes forcing residents to evacuate and stay in shelters or find temporary housing with friends and relatives.

Canadians wishing to help can do so by donating to World Vision through our general emergency fund at http://www.worldvision.ca/, or by calling 1-800-268-5528.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

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To interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext. 3949
416-419-1321 (cell)
alex_sancton@WorldVision.ca