China has offered to hire heavy-lift helicopters from Russia to aid in the Morakot relief efforts. But Taiwan has yet to accept, fearing that Chinese military could use the humanitarian mission as a cover to gather intelligence. Government officials say they will make their decision when expert recommendations come in. In the meantime, modular housing units from China are making their way to Taiwan.

The large number of displaced residents left without shelter after Morakot means building modular housing is a priority. In Pingtung County, the local government has chosen the grounds of one of Radio Taiwan International’s transmission stations as a location to build 400 modular housing units. Up to a hundred volunteers are on their way to clear the grounds.