Storms and Losses

The largest storm to hit Taiwan in eight years arrived this past week. The super typhoon Gaemi tracked across the island with strong winds and large rainfalls. Work and classes for white collar workers were cancelled for two days, with an additional day in some areas of central and southern Taiwan.

Flooding, fallen trees, and other damage was left in the wake. Agriculture crop losses are estimated to be about USD$33.5 million. Fruit, whether it had ripened or not, was blown from trees. Our mayor observed that far fields became an ocean. Probably other crops that were growing have drowned in the excess water. There is an additional estimated USD$18 million loss for livestock, fisheries damage, and farming infrastructure damage.

The government is offering financial assistance to homeowners who had flooding of 50 cm (20 in). More assistance is expected for those who must rebuild.

We thank those who prayed for us and our adopted land after seeing news reports or posts on Facebook. We had prepared prior to the storm and God kept us safe. We did not experience flooding. Lorne did need to go out on a balcony of our house to remove a leaf that had blown in and was blocking a drain. But that was minor compared to what many people faced.

Please pray that Christian believers who talk with others about the storm will have opportunity to testify to God’s peace and protection during the storm.

Praise and Prayer