Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TAIPEI2302
2007-10-09 06:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Cable title:  

TYPHOON KROSA CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO TAIWAN

Tags:  CASC AEMR TSPL SENV ECON TPHY EAGR TW 
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VZCZCXRO3995
PP RUEHGH
DE RUEHIN #2302 2820649
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 090649Z OCT 07
FM AIT TAIPEI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7092
INFO RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK PRIORITY 3838
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 7338
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 8944
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 9134
RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI PRIORITY 1403
UNCLAS TAIPEI 002302 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

BANGKOK PASS USAID/OFDA TOM DOLAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC AEMR TSPL SENV ECON TPHY EAGR TW
SUBJECT: TYPHOON KROSA CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO TAIWAN

UNCLAS TAIPEI 002302

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

BANGKOK PASS USAID/OFDA TOM DOLAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC AEMR TSPL SENV ECON TPHY EAGR TW
SUBJECT: TYPHOON KROSA CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO TAIWAN


1. Summary. Typhoon Krosa, which hit Taiwan October 6-7,
was the strongest typhoon to strike Taiwan in years. It
caused significant damage, yet Taiwan is quickly getting back
to normal. No Amcits deaths or injuries were reported.


2. Typhoon Krosa, packing winds from 162 km/hr to 200 km/hr
and heavy rainfall, hit Taiwan October 6-7 causing widespread
damage to crops, infrastructure and leaving at least 8 dead,
5 missing and 56 injured. The typhoon left close to 2.2
million households without electricity throughout Taiwan, the
highest level in 10 years. Yet as of October 9, only 32
households remained without electricity and water and phone
services were quickly restored.


3. During the typhoon, six reservoirs close to capacity due
to the heavy rainfall had to release water.
More than a meter of rain fell in several locations around
the island. Rainfall levels reached 1,112 mm in Chiayi, with
Hsinchu in the north receiving 1,013 mm and Ilan's
Taipingshan 1,072mm. Flooding was reported in Tainan and the
Taipei suburb of Peitou. Aside from the flooding, landslides
contributed to closed roads and collapsed houses. Repair
crews are working on 22 roads nationwide, trying to repair 48
spots where roads have been blocked either by falling rocks
or washed away by flooding. The Suhua highway, the main east
coast transportation artery linking Suao and Hualien was
blocked by rockfalls.


4. Taiwan's Council of Agriculture estimated damage to crops
and agricultural equipment at NT$ 2.7 billion ($81 million
USD) over an area of 50,000 hectares, ranking Krosa as one of
the top ten natural disasters in terms of damage caused.
Banana, rice, persimmon, papaya and grapes are some of the
most heavily hurt plantations in the central and eastern
areas of Taiwan. Damage to fisheries is estimated at NT$150
million ($4.5 million USD). This crop damage is already
being felt in the local markets by the higher prices for
produce and fruit. Farmers who have suffered losses due to
the typhoon can apply for a cash relief fund/low interest
loans from the authorities to speed their recovery.


5. No typhoon-related injuries or deaths of Amcits were
reported, nor have any Amcits contacted AIT seeking
assistance in the typhoon's aftermath. AIT has not received
any requests for assistance from Taiwan authorities nor does
AIT anticipate any requests in the coming days.
YOUNG