Medics examined a new born baby saved with its mother from the flooding and mud slides which have swept across Taiwan. It was a rare moment of relief as the scale of the devastation left by typhoon Morakot becomes all too clear.

More than 500 people are now reported dead – 300 of them in one village alone – engulfed by mud. And rescuing survivors has its own risks – one emergency worker lost his life after falling into the torrential waters – he was picked up colleagues but life saving techniques failed to revive him. The clean up job has not even started – the priority is to distribute food and other aid to those left with nothing. It is estimated the damage to Taiwan’s infrastructure and agriculture is around 650 million euros. The government has asked for international donations but for now it is helicopters and temporary housing which are needed.More about: Flood, Taiwan

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