BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 12TH 2009 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis has expressed condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of China on Taiwan on the loss of life from flooding caused by Typhoon.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas concluding his weekly programme “Ask the Prime Minister” on Tuesday, expressed the Federation’s sympathy on the loss of life.
“I spoke to the Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan this morning and he has assured me that things are returning to normal. We say to him as we say to the Government and the People of Taiwan that our prayers are with all of them,” said Dr. Douglas.
The flooding is said to be the worst in 50 years. With the official death toll at 103, officials warned that the number was likely to rise throughout the night. The figure jumped sharply yesterday after 32 people were found entombed by thick mud in the secluded hot-spring resort of Liukuai.
During the day, with airlift efforts hampered by more heavy rain, a thin stream of survivors reached safety and began painting a vivid picture of Sunday’s destruction.
Some described watching entire streets being washed away and buildings being lifted up like toys.
About 100 people in a remote village in southern Taiwan were also feared buried alive in a mudslide, though local media estimated the number to be 600.
At least 35 people were injured as the typhoon lashed the island with a record 3 meters (118 inches) of rain over the weekend, submerging houses, streets and bringing down bridges.
