Millions in agricultural losses in Taiwan after Typhoon Soulik hits

Agricultural losses from Typhoon Soulik in Taiwan reached about $32.66 million by Monday afternoon, the Focus Taiwan News Channel reported.

Most of that was in agricultural produce losses, the new outlet reported, citing the Council of Agriculture. 

According to catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide, the majority of low- to mid-rise residential buildings in Taiwan are constructed with reinforced concrete frames and brick infill walls, although some older residential masonry buildings exist as well. Taller buildings are typically constructed using reinforced concrete frames and shear walls, it said.

The commercial and industrial stock in Taiwan is relatively evenly split between steel and reinforced concrete construction, according to the firm.

AIR also said that unreinforced masonry construction may experience minor to moderate levels of damage but that the majority of damage is likely to be limited to nonstructural elements such as roof covering, glazing, and cladding.

Well-engineered high-rise buildings should experience only minor damage to windows broken from flying debris and damage to cladding and roofing from wind-driven rain, it said.

The Agence France Presse also reported Monday that at least 295 people had been killed or were missing in China, where major rainstorms have been occurring since July 7, along with Soulik, causing major flooding and leading some buildings to collapse.