First prefab homes arrive in Taiwan

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The first shipment of disaster relief supplies from the mainland has reached Taiwan. The supplies, which arrived at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, were immediately transported to typhoon-hit areas.

The merchant vessel "Yangming Vancouver," transporting 100 prefabricated homes, docked in the port of Kaohsiung after 20 hours at sea. The units include a kitchen, toilet and living area.

The material was at once transported to Pingtung County, one of the areas worst hit by Typhoon Morakot. The original destination of the homes was Taitung County, but as the roads in Taitung County remain impassable until August 22nd, Pingtung County became the alternate choice.

Wang Jinsing said, "After a discussion between Taitung County and Pingtung County, it was decided that Chiatung village in Pingtung County is the best choice for the disaster relief. Chiatung village was severely stricken by Typhoon Morakot. And Chiatung has a square suitable for building prefabricated homes for the victims. "

Local authorities said it would build the prefabricated homes following the instructions provided by the mainland manufacturer as soon as possible. The 100 prefab homes can provide 50,000 square meters of living space. The mainland will provide a total of 1,000 prefabricated homes to the island. Several typhoon stricken cities and counties have applied to receive the homes.