U.S. military expects to aid to typhoon-stricken Taiwan, sources say

(CNN) - The U.S. military expects a request from Taiwan soon for humanitarian assistance to cope with the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot, and is ready to send troops, equipment and supplies, several military sources told CNN on Friday.

The death toll from the storm that hit the island last weekend likely will climb above 300 after more villagers buried by mudslides and floodwaters are found, Taiwan officials have said.

Other countries also announced Friday they are prepared to send help. The typhoon battered the island, killing at least 118 people.

The U.S. military sources said talks were under way between Taiwan and the Obama administration on what kind of aid the Southeast Asian nation needs. In aiding Taiwan, the United States must be sensitive to its territorial relationship with China, the sources said.

China considers Taiwan as a renegade province.

The U.S. military likely would dispatch a Navy amphibious warship already in the region with cargo and transport helicopters that can carry relief supplies and relocate people.

More than 30 countries and territories have pledged money, helicopters, medication or other supplies.

"They have presented the good will to help," said Benjamin Chi, a government spokesman, on Thursday.

Officials from Hong Kong said they would like to send H.K. $50 million (U.S. $6.45 million). The aid request needs to get final authorization.

Nearly 1,700 people were rescued Thursday from areas devastated by the storm. The official death toll from the typhoon was 118 people but it was feared the total could exceed 300, said Wang Yuchi, a spokesman for the president.

– CNN's Barbara Starr contributed to this report.