John Paul II asked Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, to send a telegram on his behalf to Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, bishop of Kaohsiung and president of the Regional Conference of Chinese Bishops. In his message, the Pope prayed that God will pour «abundant divine gifts of consolation, courage and strength» on those affected.
The death toll reached 61 today, and more than 150 people were missing. The typhoon triggered the island´s worst floods and landslides in 50 years. Damages are estimated at $50 million in the agricultural sector.
