Taiwan: Mudslide Village Rescue Efforts Continue, Helicopter Down

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Morakot

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uploaded by Archi Chung

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Taiwan Typhoon Disaster

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At least 400 people are feared dead after typhoon Morakot buried the village Shiao Lin in Taiwan under mud. The mudslide crashed into the village on Monday, leaving only one or two houses unharmed. The bridge that connects the village to the rest of Taiwan has been swept away by extreme winds.

About 130 villagers have been air lifted out of the village by military helicopters, but rescue efforts have been made difficult by strong winds and rain. One of the helicopters crashed into a mountain and killed six rescue workers. Roads have been washed away, and electrical lines are cut.

Taiwan's current official death toll from Morakot is 41, but this does not include people in Shiao Lin.