'38 dead in Taiwan flooding, 62 missing'

Flooding in Taiwan triggered by Typhoon Morakot has killed 38 people and another 62 are missing, rescuers said.

Flooding in Taiwan triggered by Typhoon Morakot has killed 38 people and another 62 are missing, rescuers said on Tuesday.

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At least 35 people were also injured as the typhoon lashed the island with a record 2.5 metres of rain over the weekend, submerging houses, streets and bringing down bridges.

Rescue missions were in full swing on Tuesday with the authorities dispatching helicopters to remote areas cut off by fallen bridges or raging rivers.

Seven more people were airlifted to safety from Hsiaolin, in southern Kaohsiung county, early on Tuesday, said the National Fire Agency.

Reports said up to 600 people were still trapped in the village but authorities would not confirm the number.