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World Vision, Red Cross mobilize for storm victims again

Relief organizations including World Vision Taiwan and the Red Cross Organization of Taiwan are helping victims of Typhoon Aere, which damaged thousands of homes in northern Taiwan.

The typhoon yesterday trig-gered flooding and landslides throughout central and northern Taiwan, blocking roads in mountainous areas and stranding thousands of people in Hsinchu.

Ho Chin-jen (何欽人), 72, was swept away by floodwaters in Nantou County's Hsin-yi Township, and he has not been found.

World Vision representatives said yesterday that the group is sheltering more than 20 people in Taichung County's Hoping Township and that it is helping 430 Hsinchu County households without electricity or running water.

"The strength of the winds of this typhoon triggered memories of the disaster caused by Typhoon Herb [in 1996]; many households are extremely frightened and frustrated," said Wang Pin-an (王平安), a World Vision social worker in Taoyuan.

"All they want is for the wind and rain to end soon, and for everything to return to normal," Wang said.

The typhoon also hit areas in Taichung and Nantou counties that were damaged last month by Tropical Storm Mindulle.

Red Cross representatives said that many mountainous areas where the typhoon has triggered mudslides were less dangerous because they have been uninhabited since Mindulle.

The Red Cross said it is focusing on aiding flood victims from Sanchung and Miaoli. The organization urges anyone in need to call (02) 2362-8232, extension 33.

Disaster victims can also call for help through World Vision, at (02) 2585-6300.
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