Taiwan storm death toll rises to 18

TAIPEI (AFP) - Thousands of workers continued search and rescue operations Saturday after Tropical Storm Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across Taiwan, leaving at least 18 people dead and seven missing, officials said.

The casualties from floods and mudslides were reported in worst-hit central and southern Taiwan, where up to 1,000 millimetres (39 inches) of rain fell in less than two days, said the National Fire Agency.

The bodies of several missing people were found later Saturday, including a 64-year-old woman who fell into a river when riding her motorcycle in southern Pingtung county, the agency said.