8 billion New Taiwan dollars (about $267 million) in agricultural damage, say local agricultural authorities.

Hundreds of roads and bridges on the island have been destroyed by floods, and disaster-relief centres have dispatched helicopters to transport villagers and air-drop goods in those regions.

On Wednesday, there were still 27 bridges and 69 main roads blocked or impassable.

In parts of central-south Taiwan where water has started to retreat, people are returning to repair homes and infrastructure, local media reported.

People from a wide range of social sectors, including the government, enterprises, entertainment and TV stations, have donated cash and goods worth millions of New Taiwan dollars to support disaster-relief work.