Experts in earthquake-ravaged Taiwan yesterday identified more than 850 areas in danger of landslide as Typhoon Dan dumped heavy rains on the island, putting thousands more lives at risk.
The Council of Agriculture in Taipei analysed satellite images and found 40 danger spots close to heavily populated areas in central Nantou and Taichung, Forestry Department director Chen Shi-chou said.
'After the earthquake, mountain slopes in these areas became very porous,' Mr Chen said.
'Even normal rainfall or a small aftershock could trigger terrible disasters.' The Government set up a special headquarters to cope with the danger brought by Dan, which weakened into a tropical storm yesterday.
'We have sent police and staff to the affected residential zones to warn residents and we have arranged shelters for homeless people to stay,' Mr Chen said.
Mudslides were reported in central Taiwan and there had been small rock-falls in eastern mountain areas, but there were no injuries, authorities said.
'We are closely monitoring the situation,' said a spokesman at the special headquarters.
