New Zealand will provide 100,000 NZ dollars (about US$67,500) to support relief efforts in China's Taiwan region following Typhoon Morakot, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said on Thursday.

"New Zealand extends its condolences to the people of Taiwan over the destruction caused by Typhoon Morakot," McCully said.

There are currently 117 confirmed deaths, with a further 380 people missing presumed dead. More than 1.5 million were forced toevacuate their homes, and 14,000 people have been displaced, with 5,000 living in temporary camps after their homes were destroyed.

"Taiwan has requested New Zealand assistance. The funding announced today will support the work of Taiwan Red Cross, which is helping people who have lost their homes as a result of the typhoon," McCully said.

The 100,000 NZ dollars contribution will be provided through New Zealand Red Cross to the International Federation of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Emergency Facility, which supports disaster responses.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2009)