Reports from China have stated that the death toll from the ‘Typhoon Saomai’ has risen to 330. The local government officials had explained that the death toll had increased after 6 more bodies were discovered in the Fuding city of Fujian province. The officials stated that the bodies were fished out from the sea, off the Shacheng harbour, bringing the death toll from that place alone to 186.
Cai Meisheng, vice mayor of Fuding, said the recovery of bodies could become more difficult as some could be trapped in the 491 sunken vessels or entwined in fishing nets.Rescuers have retrieved two boats, but Cai said the city government had appealed to the Fujian provincial government and central authorities to assist with the funding of salvage operations.
Marine salvage could be too expensive for the local government at a cost of up to 100,000 Yuan ($12,500) per vessel.
The local government has allocated 1.06 million yuan ($132,500) for relief aid and delivered 3,300 quilts, 17,270 boxes of instant noodles, 133 tonnes of rice and 13,475 tents to typhoon victims.
The death toll in neighbouring Zhejiang province stands at 87 dead and 52 missing, and two dead and one missing in Jiangxi province.
Source: IANS
