Taiwan is in urgent need of more aid from the mainland and foreign countries as it deals with the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot, which swept the island a week ago.

By Sunday morning, an aid delivery had arrived from Australia at Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan to help the victims.

Richard Mathews is a representative for the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei.

"The people of Australia feel very sad to hear there are so many victims in the disaster caused by Typhoon Morakot. The government of Australia hopes to deliver aid as soon as possible", said Richard.

On Saturday, an official with the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said the mainland will provide any relief materials needed by Taiwanese compatriots affected by Morakot, the worst typhoon to hit the island in 50 years.

The office has asked factories to manufacture portable shelters day and night, and the first batch is expected to arrive in Taiwan on Monday at the earliest.

Mainland Red Cross organizations, banks, Buddhist associations and large companies have donated millions of yuan to help with the relief work.

Taiwan authorities said nearly 60 countries have offered aid to Taiwan, including Israel, Australia and Singapore.

Tsai Che-hsu is a post office manager in Taitung County in eastern Taiwan.

"I have never seen so many parcels posted for rescue purposes", said Tsai.

According to local disaster response authorities, typhoon Morakot had killed at least 124 people and left 56 missing in Taiwan as Saturday night. Earlier, Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said it could reach 500.

More than 20,000 troops have joined civilian workers on efforts to reach the worst hit areas, and a total of 15,400 villagers have been ferried to safety.

The rescue operation has relied mainly on helicopters because of damage to bridges and roads.

Morakot destroyed the homes of 7,000 people and caused agricultural and property damage in excess of US$1.5 billio.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 17, 2009)