Mainland conveys condolences in response to Taiwan casualties of Typhoon Ragasa

BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland official on Wednesday mourned Taiwanese victims who died as a result of the impact of Typhoon Ragasa and sent condolences to their families and the injured.

As a consequence of Typhoon Ragasa, a barrier lake of the Matai'an River in Hualien county of Taiwan overflowed -- causing casualties and property damage.

"We hope people affected will resume their normal lives as soon as possible," Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a press release.

As of 6 am on Wednesday, Typhoon Ragasa had left 14 dead and 18 injured in Taiwan, according to the island's emergency operations center.

About 100 people remained trapped and were awaiting rescue, the center said.