Heavy rains devastate southern Taiwan; Mustard Seed Mission launches five major rescue operations

Southern Taiwan is grappling with severe flooding and extensive damage to homes following recent heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Mikala's outer bands, a weather front, and strengthening southwest winds. The Mustard Seed Mission has initiated five major rescue operations to support affected families, offering everything from emergency living assistance to post-disaster home repairs. The organization aims to help families navigate the most challenging stages of rebuilding their lives.

In areas like Kaohsiung's Meinong, Dashu, and Qishan districts, as well as parts of Tainan and Pingtung, residents have reported severe waterlogging and road collapses. Many homes have had their furniture, appliances, and clothing submerged. In Hualien, the risk of a dam breach due to rising water levels in the Wanli River has prompted the precautionary relocation of some families to a shelter at Mingli Elementary School.

One affected mother in Pingtung's Chaozhou recounted how floodwaters rose to nearly 90 centimeters, submerging her belongings and forcing her family to evacuate. Her home, which had never flooded in 10 years, was left filled with mud. The Mustard Seed Mission provided immediate relief, including essential supplies and emergency funds, to help stabilize the family and support their cleanup and recovery efforts.

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The impact of heavy rain is not just felt during the flood itself. After the floodwaters recede, vulnerable families face long-term challenges of cleaning up their homes, reorganizing their lives, and managing financial burdens. Children's familiar environments are disrupted, and caregivers are simultaneously burdened with recovery responsibilities and stress.

"The impact of heavy rain is not just felt during the flood itself," said Mustard Seed Mission CEO Li Zhao-jia. "After the floodwaters recede, vulnerable families face long-term challenges of cleaning up their homes, reorganizing their lives, and managing financial burdens. Children's familiar environments are disrupted, and caregivers are simultaneously burdened with recovery responsibilities and stress."

The organization is providing food boxes, prepared meals, and daily necessities, assisting with cleaning and disinfection, and offering subsidies for furniture and appliances. They are also conducting ongoing visits to affected families to offer comfort and support for home safety repairs. A fundraising campaign in collaboration with 7-ELEVEN and FamilyMart has been launched to support post-disaster recovery.

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Rainwater mixed with mud quickly poured into the house, the water level rose to almost 90 centimeters, my thighs were almost submerged in water, and all the furniture and clothes were soaked.