In flood-stricken Siaolin village, heavy rains have subsided. Residents are returning to their homes to look for missing family members. But the entire area is buried under mud, making it virtually impossible to find anything. So far, 491 locals have been confirmed missing. Taiwan authorities say there is little chance they are still alive.

According to island leaders, total losses now stand at 12 billion New Taiwan Dollars. Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan counties have reported huge losses in the fishing and agriculture sectors. Typhoon Morakot has cut off water supplies to 300,000 households and more than 10,000 families are living in blackout conditions.

Taiwan authorities say the US has agreed to send heavy helicopters to support relief efforts. Israel says it will provide 200 water cleaners to the affected areas and Australia is shipping in 200-thousand disinfection pills.

A reconstruction committee has been launched a day ahead of schedule. Disaster relief and reconstruction experts are working with government officials to lay out plans for further rescue and recovery operations.