Taiwan offers condolences over deadly China floods

Taipei, July 30 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Tuesday expressed condolences over the torrential rains in China that killed at least 30 people in Beijing, as Chinese authorities said no Taiwanese were among the casualties.

The rains began last Wednesday and peaked on Monday, causing severe flooding in Beijing and surrounding provinces. Reuters reported Tuesday that at least 30 people died in the capital, with eight more deaths in nearby areas.

"The government expresses condolences to those affected in mainland China, offering prayers for the deceased and wishing the injured a speedy recovery," MAC said in a statement Tuesday evening.

MAC noted that southern and central Taiwan have also been hit by continuous heavy rains and expressed hope that losses on both sides of the Taiwan Strait can be minimized and recovery efforts proceed smoothly.

MAC said it had asked the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), a semi-official body handling cross-strait affairs, to gather information on the flooding and check on the status of Taiwanese citizens in affected areas.

The goal, MAC said, is to "facilitate the provision of necessary assistance," though it did not detail what form that aid might take.

At a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua (陳斌華) said that no Taiwanese people have been reported injured or killed in the disaster.

He added that the China-run "Taiwan Affairs offices" across the country will assist Taiwanese individuals and businesses if needed.