TAIPEI (AFP) — Rescuers on Tuesday continued search operations after Typhoon Sinlaku pounded Taiwan over the weekend, leaving at least 11 people dead, officials said.
Another 11 people remained missing in central Taiwan, where floods and mudslides triggered by up to 160 centimetres (62 inches) of rain caused bridges, hotels and houses to collapse, the National Fire Agency said.
At least 20 people were also injured when Sinlaku lashed the island with powerful winds and torrential rain, disrupting land and air traffic and causing power blackouts.
Hundreds of rescuers have been mobilised to combat floods and conduct rescue missions, while nearly 2,000 people were evacuated to safety, the agency said.
Sinlaku also caused more than 500 million Taiwan dollars (15.63 million US) in damage to agriculture, the authorities said.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
