By Xinhua,
Taipei : The death toll in Typhoon Morakot that devastated Taiwan Aug 7 could cross 500, officials said Friday.
Latest reports say at least 380 people are feared dead following an Aug 9 mudslide in Hsiaolin village in southern Taiwan in the wake of the typhoon.
President Ma Ying-jeou said at an emergency meeting Friday that over 120 people have been confirmed dead, and the total casualties could go beyond 500.
Rescue officials said 59 people were missing.
Property worth 50 billion Taiwan dollars (about $1.5 billion) has been damaged and more than 7,000 people are homeless.
Ma said it was the worst disaster since 1959 when floods killed over 600 people in Taiwan.
China has donated millions of dollars to Taiwan for relief work. Officials said Beijing would send relief supplies and health care teams to Taiwan.