Rebuilding Lives After Typhoon Danas in Southern Taiwan 丹娜絲颱風災後援助，幫助弱勢家庭重建安全生活

▍Summary
On July 6, 2025, Typhoon Danas made landfall in Budai Township, Chiayi County, becoming one of the southernmost landfalling typhoons in Taiwan’s recent history. The storm brought over 48 hours of torrential rain and destructive winds, leaving behind extensive flooding and infrastructure collapse in southern and central Taiwan. Vulnerable families in Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, and nearby regions were the hardest hit—many lost their homes, basic utilities, and even the ability to cook or sleep safely.

The Mustard Seed Mission (MSM) quickly activated its disaster response network, delivering emergency supplies, assessing housing damage, and initiating home repairs for those in greatest need. This project seeks support to provide immediate aid, long-term recovery, and safety education for 200+ vulnerable families—so they can reclaim a sense of home, dignity, and hope.

▍Challenge
Typhoon Danas devastated communities across southern Taiwan, particularly affecting disadvantaged families living in rural or aging housing. The storm caused:

1. Over 8,000 disaster reports, including collapsed rooftops, broken windows, and flooded homes.
2. 714 injuries and 2 fatalities, both in Tainan.
3. Power outages in nearly 500,000 households, and over 68,000 families without water.
4. Agricultural losses exceeding NT$1.4 billion.

For families already struggling with poverty, single parenthood, or disability, the typhoon’s destruction was overwhelming. Many were left without roofs, clean water, electricity, or access to basic hygiene and food. A mother in Tainan’s Jiangjun District shared, “That night felt like the end of the world. My children clung to each other in fear as the roof shook. When morning came, our kitchen and bedrooms were all underwater.”

▍Solution
MSM is mobilizing its long-established regional aid centers to provide a three-phase response:

1. Emergency Relief (July–August 2025):
▪︎Deliver 400 emergency care boxes (rice, canned food, milk, hygiene items)
▪︎Provide urgent cash relief to 21 households
▪︎Partner with local governments to distribute supplies in affected villages

2. Home Recovery and Family Support (July–December 2025):
▪︎Repair and clean 20 storm-damaged homes
▪︎Replace essential furniture and appliances for 40 households
▪︎Offer monthly living stipends for 15 severely impacted families
▪︎Provide school supplies to 55 children
▪︎Launch a “Cash-for-Work” cleaning program employing 4 residents for 160 hours total

3. Disaster Preparedness (Oct–Dec 2025):
▪︎Conduct 10 community workshops on household safety and disaster readiness

MSM also provides rental subsidies for displaced families and collaborates with local churches and schools to identify needs and extend emotional support.

▍Long-Term Impact
This project helps disaster-stricken families recover not only physically but emotionally and economically. By providing urgent aid and rebuilding support, it prevents homelessness and long-term poverty. By offering job opportunities and safety education, it empowers communities to become more resilient to future typhoons.

Families will regain safe, dignified living spaces. Children can return to school. Communities can heal faster—with strengthened preparedness, solidarity, and self-reliance.