[3156] Help from churches speeds up post-typhoon recovery in Siou-Lin Township

Help from churches speeds up post-typhoon recovery in Siou-Lin Township

Reported by Simon Lin

Written by Lydia Ma

Typhoon Saola pummeled various parts of Hualien when it made a landfall on August 2, 2012, and several indigenous communities in Siou-Lin Township were particularly affected as the typhoon brought heavy rain and precipitated a landslide. Several houses were destroyed overnight during this typhoon. To help local residents recover in the aftermath of this typhoon, various Christian organizations such as World Vision Taiwan, Taroko Presbytery, Chinese Christian Relief Association and more sprung to action and established a rescue coordination center.

Though relief and clean-up efforts were at first estimated to last more than 2 months, joint efforts from these organizations, local churches, as well as government organizations, quickened the pace of work. In the end, 52 organizations helped in rescue and clean-up efforts and the work was completed in a little more than 2 weeks’ time. Those who were involved in this effort faced no small task, as nearly 200 houses were destroyed by a landslide, some partially and others completely.

Rescue and relief efforts began in full force once He-Ping Train Station was reopened on August 3. The train station was filled with volunteers from Bunun, Amis, and East Coast presbyteries as well as volunteers from other church denominations and many youths from college fellowships. Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue military personnel were also there. They had come to help.

Despite the heat, people took their work instruments with them to clean the streets and many worked together to clear heavy stones left by the landslide. Taroko Presbytery General Secretary Nanang Tadaw praised volunteers and said that they were like “Christian Soldiers” that God had called to rise and serve others. He said that even military personnel were impressed by the volunteers.

There was no discrimination based on religion during relief efforts. Christian volunteers even helped to clean-up a local shrine usually maintained by a few villagers and their generosity was greatly appreciated. Gukul Presbyterian Church’s pastor Rev. Lowking Kiyu made daily trips to He-Ping Elementary School to visit indigenous families that were taking temporary shelter there. He prayed for them and they had worship services in the school. The residents’ faith in God sustained and comforted them during this trying period.

According to reports, clean-up efforts were completed on August 16 and local residents thanked volunteers by holding a celebration. Pastors led the people in a prayer of thanksgiving because no one perished or got hurt during the storm or during relief efforts. Of the 400 residents who lost their homes, some will be living in temporarily dormitories that belong to Taiwan Power Corporation while others will be living in prefab houses provided by the Red Cross.

Referring to the plight of residents who lost their homes and their anguish, Rev. Lowking Kiyu said that emotional healing will take a long time. He added that these temporary housing arrangements made by government officials cannot satisfy the needs of local residents. The best solution is to help them rebuild their homes at the lowest possible economic cost. He also urged churches to remember these residents in their prayers.