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