Taiwan suffered its deadliest storm in half a century as Typhoon Morakot lashed the island for days in early August, killing hundreds and creating thousands of evacuees.

In response, Give2Asia, The Asia Foundation’s affiliate, has established a relief fund and is working with its network on the ground in Taiwan to help those affected by the storms. Give2Asia will bring together contributions to support these local groups, which will be providing immediate assistance and helping with long-term recovery. Some funds will provide for food, shelter and other emergency services; others will support longer-term rebuilding efforts.

Read more about the Taiwan Typhoon Relief Fund.

Bruce Tolentino, The Asia Foundation’s Director for Economic Reform and Development Programs, continues to provide insight on the U.S. financial crisis’ impact in Asia. This week, he noted that a major recession in the United States would “hit export-heavy tech industries in Taiwan, South Korea and China hard“ in addition to countries with large garment and textile sectors that export to the US and European markets.

Dr. Tolentino can be reached at btolentino@asiafound.org.