When Typhoon Danas, a storm of a magnitude rarely seen in a century, made landfall in Taiwan on July 7, it carved a path of destruction through the central and southern regions. The counties of Chiayi and Tainan bore the brunt of its fury, with gale-force winds tearing roofs from homes and leaving communities shattered. For many, especially the elderly, the storm swept away not just their shelter, but their sense of security and peace.

In the immediate aftermath, the scale of the damage was heartbreakingly clear. As Tzu Chi volunteers began visiting affected areas, they found streets littered with corrugated iron sheets and traditional tiles. The storm’s impact was measured not just in damaged property, but in the deep anxiety it left behind.

A Community in Shock

In the hard-hit Cigu District of Tainan, volunteers went door-to-door, offering support to over 200 households. They met a 98-year-old woman, Grandma Chen, whose home of a century had its roof torn open. Sitting in her wheelchair, she gripped a volunteer's hand, her fear palpable even without words. Her daughter-in-law recounted how she had to quickly move her from her room as the storm raged. Volunteers offered what comfort they could, reminding them that they were not alone.

Local leaders were also overwhelmed. Po-ching Chen (陳博靜), the village chief of Dingshan, was busy coordinating relief for his community even as his own home was damaged. "After the storm, I first called the district office for meal boxes, but they were swamped," he recalled. "So I called a Tzu Chi volunteer I knew, and they immediately promised to deliver 250 meal boxes." This swift assistance, followed by home visits and emergency cash aid, provided a crucial lifeline.

Throughout the area, similar stories of hardship emerged: a family with a seven-month pregnant daughter-in-law struggled for days without electricity; another couple narrowly escaped as their old house collapsed around them. For these families, a simple hot meal and a listening ear were the first steps toward feeling safe again.

An Outpouring of Support from Across Generations

As news of the devastation spread, a wave of support surged from across Taiwan. In response to online calls for help, hundreds of volunteers, including many young people, traveled to Chiayi and Tainan to assist with the cleanup.

The campus of National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi, which suffered severe damage, became a powerful symbol of this collective spirit. Here, volunteers of all ages worked side-by-side. An 85-year-old grandmother came from Keelung with her daughter and three young grandchildren, the youngest just five years old, to help. A professor brought his toddlers, aged one and a half and three and a half, to be part of the effort.

Among the volunteers was an 8-year-old girl from Taichung, who came with her parents and older sister. While diligently picking up fallen branches, she admitted, "Yes, I'm tired." Yet, she continued to work, her simple act a moving testament to a spirit of service being passed down through her family.

This youthful energy was also evident at other schools. Yi-wen Wang (王意雯), who had been a member of the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association, brought her two children to help clean Jianjyun Elementary School. "It's like planting a seed of goodness," she said, watching them work. "I hope this seed will sprout in their hearts and become a source of strength for them."

Restoring Shelter, Rebuilding Hope

Understanding that a secure home is the foundation of recovery, Tzu Chi launched a housing repair project. The immediate priority was to protect damaged homes from further rain. A businessman in Taipei, Chin-tien Huang (黃錦田), promptly dispatched 100 large, new tarps to the disaster area.

In Budai Township, a team of professional construction workers, sent by a building materials company in Yunlin, arrived to help install the tarps. The team was led by the owner’s son, Shih-ting Yang (楊士霆). "Knowing that help was needed in the disaster area, we came right away," he said. "My parents are very involved in community service, and I've been influenced by them."

For residents like Mr. Chang, this practical help was life-changing. For days, he had been forced to sleep on a recliner in his living room because his bedroom was exposed to the elements. After volunteers installed a tarp over his roof, he said with relief, "I am so happy to see so many people coming to help. Tonight, I can finally sleep in my room."

The road to recovery for the communities affected by Typhoon Danas is long, but it is a path they do not walk alone. The combined efforts of local residents, dedicated volunteers from every generation, and compassionate businesses are weaving a strong network of support. Each repaired roof and every cleared schoolyard is more than just a physical restoration; it is an act of rebuilding hope and reaffirming the power of people helping people.

Written by Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙), Hsiu-Ling Wu (吳秀玲), Ching-Chun Lin (林靜君), Li-Hua Hsieh (謝麗華), and Shu-Pai Lin (林淑白)