TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pope Leo XIV expressed his prayers for Taiwan's typhoon victims on Wednesday (July 16) and directed the Apostolic Almoner to provide tangible assistance to those affected by last week's devastating storm. Typhoon Danas left two people dead and more than 500 injured as it swept across the island with destructive force. The powerful weather system forced authorities to evacuate over 3,000 residents from vulnerable coastal and island areas, leaving a trail of damaged infrastructure in its wake.
The typhoon's wrath left hundreds injured, causing landslides and damage to critical infrastructure. Local authorities reported that the cyclone's intensity required rapid evacuation operations to protect residents in the most vulnerable coastal communities and outlying islands. Emergency response teams have since worked around the clock to restore critical infrastructure, including power and water services disrupted by the powerful storm system.
The Pope's response comes as Taiwan continues its recovery efforts one week after Typhoon Danas cut its destructive path through populated areas. Vatican officials indicated that the pontiff's direction to provide concrete assistance reflects the humanitarian needs still facing storm-ravaged communities across the island. ◼
