Taiwan Gaemi Typhoon Relief and Rehabilitation

In the aftermath of Typhoon Gaemi, Southern Taiwan faces a daunting recovery process as the region grapples with the widespread devastation caused by torrential rains and powerful winds. The Mustard Seed Mission (MSM) has rapidly mobilized its teams to provide essential relief to communities severely impacted by the disaster.

Widespread Destruction

The typhoon has left a trail of destruction, particularly in Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Pingtung, where homes have been inundated, and vital household items rendered useless. Families with MSM’s sponsored children have endured sleepless nights, anxiously guarding what little remains of their possessions.

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MSM’s Response

In response, MSM has initiated the distribution of emergency relief funds and essential supplies, adhering to its core principle of the "Community Support Network of Triple Blessings." MSM is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of affected households throughout Taiwan. Currently, assessments are being conducted to determine the specific needs of families nationwide, with a comprehensive relief operation ready to be deployed.

In the Tainan region, the impact was particularly severe. One sponsored child's family in Jiangjun District saw their home flooded knee-deep after their tin roof was battered by relentless rain. The storm’s ferocity also tore away their bathroom ceiling, forcing the family to move all furniture onto beds and stay awake through the night. Similarly, in Kaohsiung's Ziguan District, floodwaters rose to the height of an entire floor, destroying all furniture and appliances, including a refrigerator that posed an electric shock hazard due to the flood. 

Elsewhere, the situation varies. While Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan (excluding Fuxing District) have been spared significant damage, the simple water supply systems in Fuxing District were severely affected. MSM has dispatched repair teams and provided 20 cases of bottled water through local churches. Additionally, roads in Yilan have been cleared, and two sponsored children from Bonbon Village have been safely relocated to a nearby church. 

In Hsinchu County and Miaoli, most areas reported no damage, with the exception of one household in Taoshan Village, Wufeng Township, that experienced a water outage. Repairs are ongoing, and all other areas are reported safe.

Relief Efforts and Challenges

The Mustard Seed Mission has activated its disaster relief warehouses, beginning with Knaziy tribe in Nantou County, where supplies have been distributed to displaced families. However, some tribal areas remain inaccessible due to adverse weather and road conditions. MSM is monitoring these areas and will dispatch aid when conditions allow. Additionally, in Miaoli, several indigenous communities are facing water shortages, and efforts are underway to provide essential supplies.

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Agricultural Devastation

Typhoon Gaemi’s devastation extends beyond homes, severely affecting agriculture, particularly in remote and mountainous regions now cut off by landslides. As MSM intensifies its relief efforts, it calls on the public to support the recovery and rebuilding of these communities. Through its commitment to Gospel, Welfare, and Empowerment, MSM aims to restore lives and homes, offering hope to those hardest hit by this disaster. 

Join us in rebuilding lives. Your donation will deliver essential supplies, rebuild homes, and support long-term recovery for those affected by Typhoon Gaemi. Together, we can bring resilience and stability to the hardest-hit communities.