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[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

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Relief News Update from Formosa (Taiwan) - 28 Sept 2010

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

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Relief News Update from Peru - 01 Oct 2010

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RELIEF NEWS UPDATE from South Korea - 04 Oct 2010

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Relief news update from Angola - 09 Oct 2010

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Relief news update from Colombia - 12 Oct 2010

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Relief News Update from Formosa (Taiwan) - 15 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).

On September 19, Typhoon Fanapi struck southern Formosa as the most severe storm to hit the island this year. It brought major floods, with related disasters that cost three people their lives and injured 75 others.

Conveying her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai had immediately requested that our Association members please help the storm-stricken, saying that funds were available for emergency needs. As per her instructions, our Association members from Formosa went the day of to render aid to the storm afflicted and reported the situation to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Upon receiving details about the initial relief work, she asked that they please go check to see if additional help was needed and to continue the relief efforts as necessary. After investigating, two relief teams set out, with donations of approximately US$13,000 that were contributed by our Association members. The team in Kaohsiung County went to Kaohsiung Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages, which they had found to be the most severely affected school. Thankfully, President Ma Ying-jeou had personally gone to inspect the location and assigned the Ministry of Education and Kaohsiung City Government to assist as soon as possible, so no further help was needed.

(In Chinese)
President Ma Ying-jeou (M): Nowadays, climate change is a reality. So I’m here to support you. Please don’t feel discouraged. We will support you, okay? Let’s work together. We will support Kaohsiung City and work with you. Thanks, thanks, thanks. Let’s express our support for Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung! (Crowd: Go!) Kaohsiung! (Crowd: Go!) Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung! (Crowd: Go, go, go!)

VOICE: Meanwhile in the worst-hit Gangshan Township, shelters for stray animals were affected, particularly the Aranya Dog Sanctuary, where floodwaters had reached four meters high. Mr. Shyue-Ren Chen, who owned and ran the charity, had moved 400 dogs to higher grounds by himself, receiving multiple cuts and bruises in his efforts. Both he and the dogs remained stranded for two days with only a small amount of dog food and half a bottle of water before they were rescued. While the organization Animal Rescue Team Taiwan (ARTT) had offered to help Mr. Chen rebuild the sanctuary, the surviving dogs were still in need of medicine and foods. Our Association’s relief team quickly contacted Mr. Chen to convey Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love and thank him for his selfless care of the animals in need. After discussing the canines’ necessities, our Association members visited the sanctuary, bringing 40 packs of vegan dog food.

Mr. Chen Shiue-ren, Owner of the dog sanctuary (M): This is the first time a religious group, which is the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, come here to show concern. The concern from religious groups brings a bright hope to me. Here, I would like to send my deep gratitude, thank you!

Wu Ting-xu, Volunteer PR of Animal Rescue Team Taiwan (M): Today, we thank the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for their donation. Before, the dogs did lack foods and some materials. So today, after they sent goodies to the dogs, the dogs at least won’t go hungry. We are very grateful. Thank you!

Volunteers of Animal Rescue Team Taiwan: Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet! Yeah!

VOICE: We are grateful for the caring endeavors of President Ma Ying-jeou, Mr. Shyue-Ren Chen and such organizations as Animal Rescue Team Taiwan, as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her compassionate support and our Association’s relief teams for their diligent efforts. May Heaven bless the Formosan people and animals alike with a swift recovery of their regular daily lives, as humanity’s greater consideration for each other and the ecosphere helps stabilize our planet.

* For his caring rescue of hundreds of dogs in a time of disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai is honoring Mr. Chen with the Shining World Hero Award, along with a US$10,000 donation for the Aranya Dog Sanctuary.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=252&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Guatemala - 18 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Guatemala. On September 25, Tropical Storm Matthew made landfall in Guatemala, bringing fierce winds that caused many rivers to overflow, and widespread damage, with Honduras and Nicaragua also severely affected. Over 10,000 people were evacuated to shelters as infrastructure, homes and crops were destroyed. Supreme Master Television’s correspondent brings more details.

(In Spanish)
Correspondent in Guatemala (F): We are in Pueblo Viejo de Santa Rosa in the Republic of Guatemala. There has been flooding in the last three weeks reaching the level of three meters above the level at which we are now, surpassing the level of the road.

Victim (M): For us here everything was destroyed.

Correspondent (F): All their crop fields, and coffee, pineapples have been damaged, and they have also been displaced to neighboring areas with relatives, etc. But they are always reluctant, they always want go home. As we can see here there are still vestiges of the waste water that has not finished drying.

Elderly victim (F): Many children do not have to eat, have no clothes, have no home.

VOICE: Expressing her deep concern and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$20,000 to aid the affected countries, asking that our nearby Association members please go and help. Combined with a donation from our Association, the total contribution of US$21,030 could purchase US$247,000 in relief supplies if obtained in the United States, based on the region’s average cost of living. Our Association’s relief team from Costa Rica went to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras to bring items such as water, food, and cleaning supplies. In Guatemala, the relief team visited one of the most affected areas, Santa Rosa, where many residents were forced to drink contaminated water. With the assistance of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction and the Santa Rosa government, packages were prepared including drinkable water, rice, corn flour, black beans, cooking oil, sugar, and soy milk powder. These were then delivered to some 425 families across four villages.

Victim (M): Master Ching Hai, thank you for having donated the food. We thank with all our heart and God bless you!

Village leader – Santa Rosa (M): Master Ching Hai has sent us this donation. Tell her I am a humble man but a thousand thanks come from the heart, for remembering this suffering people in this community.

Correspondent (F): We are in Ciudad de Casa Vieja Santa Rosa, Republic of Guatemala reporting for Supreme Master Television.
VOICE: With appreciation for the kind assistance of the government officials, we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving support of the Guatemalan people and our Association’s relief team for their caring efforts. As we pray for the flood victims’ safe recovery, may such extreme weather events subside through our gentler regard for the environment and fellow beings.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=253&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Formosa (Taiwan) - 19 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).

In September, the island’s most major storm of the year caused severe flooding in southern regions, with three people who lost their lives and 75 others injured.

As per Supreme Master Ching Hai’s request at the time, our Formosan (Taiwanese) Association members immediately traveled to the affected regions to assist the area’s residents. Upon receiving their report of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed her love and prayers for the storm victims and asked that our Association’s relief team please check to see if more help was required. Offering further funds if needed, she requested that they continue the relief work as necessary.

Following their next assessments, two relief teams set out with approximately US$13,000 that had been donated by our Formosan Association members. While one group worked in Kaohsiung, the other relief team went to Pingtung County, where 890 villagers from 547 households in Laiyi, Sandimen and Maijia townships had been displaced. In Laiyi, which suffered the greatest losses, continued torrential rains had also set off a massive landslide, causing many residents to lose their dwellings and all their belongings. Residents told our Association members that when they went to clean up their homes, all they could see was mud and rocks. However, they said they could not afford to buy a new house and did not know where to go to live or find a job.

Our Association members purchased vegan food supplies and other necessities, making several trips to deliver them to the grateful victims who were staying in shelters or some, in their damaged homes. The supplies included hundreds of boxes of vegan food items, drinking water, soy milk powder, tissue paper, towels, and diapers, as well as monetary aid to 40 of the households that were most in need.

(In Chinese)
Relief team member (M): We have arranged a couple of relief supplies deliveries. Today is the third time, and we are also distributing emergency funds. On behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, we would like to express our warm regards to you. We also hope that you will be able to quickly restore your homes.

(Aboriginal language)
Villager, Laiyi Township (M): I’m grateful for the love from Supreme Master Ching Hai. We have received abundant supplies.

(In Chinese)
Liang Ming-hui, Chairman, Aboriginal Cultural and Educational Association, Pingtung County (M): We are very grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love. Right after Typhoon Fanapi passed, Supreme Master Ching Hai’s team was the first group who called us.

VOICE: We also are thankful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional support, as well as for the endeavors of our Association’s relief teams. May the Formosan people be graced to smoothly recover the regularity of their day-to-day lives as such calamities are eased through humanity’s more conscientious care of each other and the ecosphere.

Supreme Master Ching Hai is sending an additional US$20,000 donation for any extra urgent needs, with all her love and prayers for the afflicted.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=254&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Guatemala - 24 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Guatemala.

With recent months bringing an onslaught of tropical storms and landslides, the Guatemalan people have suffered the loss of loved ones, including many rescue workers. In particular, residents of the hard-hit Department of Izabal are still recovering from floods that hit in late August when the Motagua River burst its banks.

(In Spanish)
Victim, widow (F): We have suffered because the river ran us out; whatever we could, we took it out and the rest, we couldn’t.
Correspondent in Guatemala (F): We're in front of the Village of Mojanales of the Puerto Barrios District, here in Guatemala. And as we can see behind me we have some ruins of the school that was there, which has been swept away by the Motagua River with its huge swelling. The residents are worried but we wish that very soon they’ll have their new locations.

Victim, widow (F): Yes, we are in a bitter disaster… waiting, as they say, for whatever people bring us, because we cannot make a living. I am a widow... I just owe my trust in you and thank you very much.

VOICE: Soon after the storm, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 while sending her heartfelt condolences and prayers as she asked that our nearby Association members please go if possible to help the most afflicted. This amount could purchase US$134,000 in supplies if obtained in the United States, based on Guatemala’s cost of living. With our Association members contributing US$440 toward travel and related expenses, the relief team from Costa Rica travelled to Guatemala’s Department of Izabal where seven rural communities had not yet received help due to inaccessibility because of collapsed bridges.

Correspondent (F): We are in the Cinchao area, on my right, the Motagua River, as we can see, they have to be transported by boat, due to the destruction of the bridge. In the background we can see part of the Motagua bridge that was destroyed because of the rising Motagua River.

VOICE: The country’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction agency along with the local governor’s office, the Guatemalan Red Cross and others assisted our Association’s relief team in distributing family food packages that contained large amounts of flour, rice, beans, vegetable oil, a plant-based protein powder, sugar, and salt, along with SOS flyers informing of the vegan solution to global warming and related disasters.

Byron Solares – Governor of Izabal Department, Guatemala (M): We feel very happy for the help that Master Ching Hai is giving us, because we really have many problems due to heavy rains that we had in the whole nation.

Widow victim (F): We give many thanks to the Master!

Community President of the Village of Xiux, Morales Izabal (M): Good evening, Master Ching Hai, I am pleased with the help you have given to my neighbors in this community and may God always bless you and prosper you even more.

Correspondent (F): Reporting for Supreme Master Television from Guatemala.

VOICE: With thanks to all helping governments and agencies in Guatemala, we also are grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving support as well as for the efforts of our Association’s relief team. May the storm-afflicted residents soon regain the comforting regularity of their daily lives as we pray that weather extremities like these subside through our more considerate care of the ecosphere.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=256&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from China - 25 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from China.

A series of torrential rainstorms in late summer battered the city of Dandong in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Several people were initially reported missing, with well over 100,000 affected as power and communication systems went down and homes and crops were damaged.

Expressing her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 in emergency assistance, asking that our Association members go help the most vulnerable. This amount could purchase US$107,000 in supplies purchased in the United States, based on China’s cost of living.

With the help of local governments, our Association’s relief team was able to deliver food supplies by truck to more than 10 urban shelters and area villages in need of aid. For the grateful recipients, the rice and cooking oil helped ease their distress in the floods’ aftermath.

We appreciate the governments’ assistance as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional aid extended to the disaster victims and our Association’s relief team for their prompt endeavors. Our prayers for the smooth recuperation of the flood-affected and that such weather extremities are alleviated through humanity’s kinder care of the ecosphere.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=257&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Colombia - 26 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Colombia.

Since July, winter floods struck northwestern departments such as Sucre, leaving thousands of people stranded without food and threatened by waterborne illnesses.

(In Spanish)
Flood victim (F): The water reached the chest, here, the water, everything was submerged, the bed, bedroom, living room, everything in general.

Flood victim (F): We are very sad, because children are… getting sick a lot.

VOICE: Supreme Master Television reports from Sucre, Colombia.

Correspondent in Colombia (F): We are in Chaparral, in the department of Sucre, in Colombia, South America. More or less 3,000 families of the town have been affected and 5,000 families of the rural zone find themselves in the same situation. This is a very difficult situation, since they don’t have access to safe water, because their crops that are their livelihoods, such as cassava, yams, cotton, have been covered completely by water.

VOICE: Deeply concerned for the flood victims, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 on September 2 and asked our nearest Association members to please go and help the most vulnerable. This donation could acquire US$76,000 in urgent materials if obtained in the United States, based on Colombia’s cost of living. After purchasing food supplies in Bolivar department, including rice, beans, sugar, lentils, pasta, flour, and oil, our Association’s relief team traveled by boat to deliver the emergency packages to 920 families in need, along with SOS flyers explaining the vegan solution to stopping global warming- related disasters.

Relief recipient (F): Yes, we need these foods. We are extremely grateful. Thank you!

Young relief recipient (F): Thanks Master for the food.

Young relief recipient (M): We are grateful to you because you sent to us this aid. We send you any kisses and hugs! Relief recipients: Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!

Correspondent (F): Reporting for Supreme Master Television, from Chaparral, Sucre Department, Colombia.

VOICE: We are also grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving support for the flood-affected in Colombia, as well as the dedicated efforts of our Association’s relief team. With our prayers for the stabilization of the villagers’ lives, may the day come soon that such calamities subside through humanity’s kinder lifestyles.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=258&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Thailand - 31 Oct 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Thailand.

Nearly three weeks of flooding across 38 of Thailand’s 76 provinces has claimed at least 94 lives, with an estimated 4.2 million people affected. Some 1.6 million acres of farmland have been recently destroyed as torrential rains caused more rivers to burst their banks.

Upon hearing of the devastating situation earlier this month, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$5,000 for emergency aid, conveying her deep condolences and prayers as she asked that our Association members please go to help the afflicted. This amount could acquire US$29,000 in urgent necessities if purchased in the United States, based on the cost of living in Thailand.

As soon as conditions permitted, our nearby Association members began relief work. They traveled to the most severely afflicted Amphur Pak Thong Chai in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Despite many other agencies also providing emergency assistance, the victims were still in desperate need of aid, as officials said it was the worst flooding the region had faced in over a hundred years.

(In Thai)
Relief team member (F): Now, we are at Amphur Pak Thong Chai. The villagers here are suffering tremendously. They can’t find food. So, our Association members cooked approximately 500 lunchboxes to be distributed to the people in the area. The deepest part [of the floodwaters] is about 3 meters deep.

Relief team member (F): How are you affected by the floods?

Mr. Sakkasem Satayanuchit, Member of Parliament, Amphur Pak Thong Chai, Thailand (M): Right now, there are people still caught on the roof. We are trying to check if they have any meals because even if they receive dried foods, they cannot cook. The electricity was out. This is a tremendous suffering for the Pak Thong Chai people. The farmers on the outskirts are affected, losing everything. This will be difficult.

VOICE: Our Association’s relief team has prepared 500 Loving Hut vegan lunchboxes to be distributed as the primary relief effort. The recipients were deeply touched by Master’s love and care.

Flood victim (F): You’re really helping out the people, because you really go to the farthest end of the street. Thank you very much. Supreme Master Ching Hai, thank you so much.

Flood victims (F): Thank you, Master Ching Hai. Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say. I’m so touched. I thought that we wouldn’t have anything to eat tonight. Thank you so much.

Mr. Sakkasem Satayanuchit, Member of Parliament, Amphur Pak Thong Chai, Thailand (M): We must thank Master Ching Hai and the team and everyone for helping the Pak Thong Chai people. Thank you so much.

VOICE: Our appreciation, officials and personnel as well as all other organizations, and individuals working to ease the situation. We are also thankful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support of the flood-stricken Thai people, and for the assistance of our Association’s relief team. With Buddha’s blessings, may they smoothly recover the regularity of their daily lives as our gentler regard for the ecosphere helps restore Earth’s equilibrium.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=259&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Guatemala - 01 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International relief news update from Guatemala.

In early October, torrential rains along with mudslides struck the country, claiming the lives of two children and affecting 40,000 people. With parts of the country still recovering from other storms occurring at the end of September, many people were rendered homeless, especially in the Department of Petén.

Expressing her condolences and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$5,000 and asked that our nearby Association members please check with local governments and agencies to see if help was required. Including contributions made by our Association members, the combined US$8,800 donation could purchase US$79,000 in needed supplies acquired in the United States, based on Guatemala’s cost of living.

Our Association members from Costa Rica and the United States formed a relief team to go to the most affected areas, covering their own travel and related expenses of about US$3,000. Per Supreme Master Ching Hai’s requests for updates, the following is their report. (Relief report originally in Spanish) October 2010 Most Compassionate Master, After evaluating the disaster with the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) representative in the Department of Petén, Yobani Martinez, we learned that the municipality of La Libertad had not yet received food from anyone. Ten percent of all families in the town are homeless, while the other 90% has been supported by large agencies such as the United Nations World Food Program.

So on October 15, our team went to distribute food supplements throughout 9 communities in Petén’s La Libertad, covering the entire 450 families of 7 members each for 7 days with food. Each packet contained rice, beans, oil, sugar, salt, cornmeal, Incaparina (soy milk for children) and a bag with an SOS flyer to share information on the vegan diet and climate change. Cookies were also given to all children from the 9 affected communities. People were rejoicing and very grateful for the unconditional love of our beloved Master. They sent messages full of good wishes to Supreme Master Ching Hai for the food and for her displays of love and concern for the Guatemalan people.

Once again, members of the relief team from Costa Rica and the United States are grateful for the opportunity provided by our beloved Master to learn about the great lesson of love and sharing with our less fortunate neighbor brethren. With all our love, Relief team in Guatemala

VOICE: Supreme Master Ching Hai replied to our Association members' letter as follows: Thank you for your love and care for the afflicted. Please check to see if we can buy some more urgent items, such as clothes and blankets for children and those much in need. I include US$10,000 more. All my love and tears of prayers. God bless you and the people you serve. (h) (h) CH

VOICE: We appreciate Supreme Master Ching Hai’s permission to share these details, as well as our Association’s Foreign Group for providing this report. Our thankfulness, National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction personnel and helping agencies such as the UN World Food Program for your timely support as we also send our gratitude for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional assistance. We pray for the Guatemalan people’s soon recovery of their productive everyday lives as we boost our own efforts to restore the balance of our planet.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=260&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from the Philippines - 02 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from the Philippines.

Super typhoon Megi, considered the strongest storm in the Pacific Ocean since 1990, struck northern Luzon Island on October 18, causing at least three people to lose their lives as more than 3,000 were evacuated due to fierce winds and torrential rains which also triggered landslides. The Philippine military, police, and local personnel as well as international relief agencies were called in to aid following the sudden, intense disaster.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Restituto P. Vargas – Disaster management coordinator, Cagayan Province, Philippines(M): Some were drowned due to flashfloods and other incidents; some were hit by toppled houses. In the province of Cagayan, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council immediately dispatched rescue teams to strategic places where the Typhoon Megi was expected to hit.

(In Tagalog unless otherwise noted)
Excelsis R. de Leon – Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Penablanca (F): In one barangay, we have 100 families under water.

VOICE: With deep concern, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000, asking that our nearby Association members check with Philippine officials and relief agencies to see if help was needed and to go, if possible, to offer assistance to the most vulnerable. Covering their own travel expenses of US$2,300, our Association’s relief teams from the Philippines and Formosa (Taiwan) met with local officials to determine the areas most in need. Emergency food supplies were then purchased, repacked and distributed for a total of 3,620 people across three towns.

EmersonTuppil – Barangay Captain of Malibabag, Penablanca, Cagayan (M): For your program, we are very thankful. Because you are always watching out for us. Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: After the immediate needs of the residents were provided for, the remaining funds were then used to purchase five sacks of rice, biscuits, and sweets for an orphanage.

Young child (F): Thank you for the candies that you gave. We are very happy.

VOICE: In addition to the food packages, SOS flyers describing the veg solution to climate change were given to relief recipients and officials alike, both of whom conveyed their interest and appreciation.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Woman with infant (F): Thank you, Master Ching Hai. For the food, and for everything, and for this flyer that you gave us.

Excelsis R. de Leon (F): So if look at it, this is effect of global warming, right? I, myself, I go for that campaign, that Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet. We have to plant vegetables, have to establish backyard gardens. No need to slaughter, or eat junk foods or canned goods. But have to be natural foods like vegetables, which is so easy to produce.

(In Tagalog and English mixed)
Restituto P. Vargas (M): So let’s support the advocacy of Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet, because it is not just the people which can be saved through it, but also the Mother Earth.

Young child (F): I love you Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Philippine government officials as well as all other organizations and individuals helping the disaster victims. We also join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving assistance to the Philippine people, and our Association’s relief team for their efficient efforts. With prayers for the continued recovery of the storm affected, we look forward to the day that such destructive events cease through our efforts to create a more peaceful and caring atmosphere on Earth.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=261&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Indonesia - 04 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Indonesia.

On Monday, November 1, Indonesia’s Mount Merapi in Central Java erupted for a fourth time with loud explosions of burning gas and debris, causing more panic within just days after its blast on the previous Friday when it spewed hot ash over two kilometers into the air.

All in Indonesian)
Ms. Yamik – Coordinator of Sidorejo Village Refugee Shelter (F): Today there’s been a big eruption at Merapi at 3 o’clock, so that our three villages are almost empty. The volcanic activity has claimed at least 38 lives and displaced 50,000 people. Because of the risk of further eruptions, officials are advising that people remain in temporary shelters for the time being. They have distributed 65,000 masks and have been working to maintain hygienic conditions for disease prevention.

Ms. Yamik – Coordinator of Sidorejo Village Refugee Shelter (F): Usually here it’s only occupied by 2,450 people, but this afternoon it could reach about 8,000. That is the situation; it’s very chaotic here, the condition is such an emergency.

VOICE: Upon knowing of the initial eruption, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed her deep condolences and prayers, and asked that our nearby Association members please go if possible to help the victims, saying that funds were available for emergency needs. Our Association’s relief team from Indonesia began relief work immediately on October 27, using their own contributions of approximately US$1,200. They traveled to Petung Village, located approximately six kilometers from the summit of the volcano and found the area covered in ash. Bodies of perished animals could be seen, along with houses burnt by the hot smoke.

Villager (M): As for the thickness of volcanic ash, it is right up to my ankle, which is nearly 30 centimeters, even more. And there are a lot of fallen trees, trees withered because of the heat clouds. And these are the example of the cows which were exposed to heat clouds, their bodies scattered around with their bellies puffed up, swelling because they couldn’t stand the heat from the clouds.

VOICE: Our Association’s relief team delivered 700 boxes of ready-to-eat vegan meals prepared by Loving Hut staff along with 500 bottles of mineral water. They also distributed SOS flyers about the vegan solution to climate change. The aid was received gratefully by the head of Petung Village, Mr. Pairin, who expressed his appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

(In Indonesian)
Mr. Pairin, Head of Petung Village (m): Thank you so much. I will inform all the people of this aid. So, later please tell Supreme Master Ching Hai that the sharing is already so big for the people who are in the middle of this kind of trial, this refugee situation. One more time thank you; please convey it to Supreme Master.

Ms. Yamik – Coordinator of Sidorejo Village Refugee Shelter (F): We can only say thank you to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: Our appreciation, all Indonesian officials, personnel and volunteers, for your caring endeavors. We also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support extended to the vulnerable, as well as our Association members for their prompt efforts to help. May the affected people of Indonesia swiftly resume the regularity of their day-to-day lives as we pray such tragedies are averted through our kinder regard for each other and the planet.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=262&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Indonesia - 10 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Indonesia.

October torrential rains in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua gave way to flash floods and landslides, claiming approximately 200 lives and leaving hundreds more injured. The government evacuated most survivors by boat, but food supplies were inadequate in the first days.

Conveying her sympathy and sorrowful prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly donated US$10,000 and asked our nearest Association members to bring aid to the most affected. This amount could purchase US$116,000 in needed materials if obtained in the United States, based on Indonesia’s cost of living.

Our Association’s relief team from Jakarta, Indonesia, covering their own travel and related expenses of nearly US$2,900, flew to the storm victims’ camps in the West Papua town of Manokwari. In cooperation with the Indonesian Red Cross, the team prepared warm vegan dinners for the 700 being sheltered there and distributed hundreds of cleaning and sanitary items, as well as clean clothing, protective plastic mats, and supplies for infants.

In addition, prayer books, sports equipment, and 300 sets of school supplies and toys were provided so that the adult and child residents could resume some recreational and learning activities during the months that the government arranges temporary homes for them. In addition, having received the SOS flyer, many showed interest in learning more about how the plant-based diet could mitigate climate change impacts.

(In Indonesian)
Relief recipient (F): Thank you, Master Ching Hai, who has given us assistance in the form of school kits and baby kits. We thank you for your help.

Red Cross representative (M): We are the Red Cross of West Papua wanting to say thank you very much to Supreme Master Ching Hai who has helped in emergency response operations in Wondama and Manokwari. We want to express our great appreciation for her support.

VOICE: With appreciation to the Indonesian government and Red Cross, we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional aid to the disaster affected, as well as our Association’s relief team for their caring work. With our sympathies to those who lost loved ones, we pray for the West Papua people’s return to stable lives and that our gentler regard for the environment helps bring a more peaceful atmosphere for all.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=263&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Haiti - 12 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Haiti.

Following a series of storms that plagued the island nation since late September and into October, more than 30 fatalities were reported with many more injured and thousands of families affected. A majority of the more than one million survivors of the traumatic January 2010 quake had already been struggling without adequate food or jobs to provide for themselves. Meanwhile, local officials, the United Nations and others have been working to assist some of the storm victims. Supreme Master Television’s relief team member brought us a report.

(Report in Spanish)
Correspondent in Haiti (F): We are in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where tropical storms affected the whole country, bringing rainfall for about a week. These rains affected more than 12,000 families, leaving them with absolutely nothing.

(Victims interviews in Haitian Creole)
Victim (F): We are really sad, and in these circumstances we do not have food to feed the children.

Correspondent (F): Families who have waited for many months to obtain a tent after the emergency they lived through due to the January earthquake of this year, these families now have lost everything and now must sleep on the streets using the rocks as pillows and cardboard for beds.

Victim (F): When the strong winds and strong rains came, the wind carried the tent away. It just took it and we all together then had to hold the corners of a canopy. But that brings us sorrow; we ask ourselves how long will this continue; we do not have an answer.

VOICE: Expressing her condolences and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000 to help the most desperate, asking our Association members to check with officials to find out what aid was most required. This amount could purchase US$535,000 in urgent supplies, if bought in the United States, based on Haiti’s cost of living.

Our Association’s relief teams from Costa Rica and Colombia first arrived in the neighboring Dominican Republic to work with the Director of Santo Domingo Civil Defense, Mr. Luis Reyes, and Pastor Ezequiel Batista and his charity group, in coordinating the purchase and delivery of food packages for 850 families.

(In Spanish)
Pastor Ezequiel Batista (M): This aid that we could receive served to give them courage and give them encouragement so that they could move ahead.

(In Spanish)
Luis Rafael Reyes Director of the Region Santo Domingo Civil Defense (M): Master, my name is Luis Rafael Reyes, Director of the Region Santo Domingo Civil Defense. We would like to give thanks on behalf of the Haitian people, for such a lovely dispatch to facilitate the lives of so many poor families in this country, Master! Thank you Master, for giving us the opportunity to share. Thank you very much!

Relief recipient (M): We thank deeply the lady who is in charge of this program. For we will never forget her gesture towards us.

Elderly relief recipient (F): In the name of all the ladies of this church home, we say thank you to the lady who sent us this assistance.

Correspondent in Haiti (F): Reporting for Supreme Master Television from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

VOICE: In response to this report on our Association’s relief work in Haiti, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent the following message: Please purchase again extra tents for those desperate, as fast as possible. I will send another US$30,000 for this. Thank you (h) (h) P.S. And please convey my love, prayers and utmost sympathy… I am so sorry! The total donation of US$45,000 could acquire US$1.6 million in emergency supplies obtained in the United States, based on the cost of living in Haiti.

VOICE: With thanks to Haitian officials, United Nations personnel, the Santo Domingo Civil Defense and Pastor Ezequiel, we also join in appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving assistance, and for the diligent work of our Association’s relief team. With Heaven’s blessings, may the Haitian people be safe and comforted in their recovery as we strive to eliminate such tragic disasters by choosing kinder lifestyles that are more in harmony with nature.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=264&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Honduras - 18 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Honduras.

For many weeks, several Central American countries were swept by tropical storms and related floods. In hard-hit Honduras, many were left struggling to recover.

(All in Spanish)
Carlos Cordero – Commander of Honduras Fire Brigade (M): We’ve been through, in the last two months, a very severe crisis, where rains have had destructive effects in 12 of the 18 departments that comprise Honduras, affecting around 9,000 families. We have many homes that were totally destroyed, and approximately 80% of the agricultural production has been lost.

Relief recipient 1 (F): We are single mothers who have to work for our children, and we cannot work because we cannot overcome this situation that is happening to us… (tearing) It’s sad.

Relief recipient 2 (F): We have been with the water here up till the chest, and there is still a lot of water.

VOICE: Sending immediate aid to all affected countries, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$10,000 for Honduras, and asked that our closest Association members go to help. This amount could purchase US$110,000 in urgent supplies based on the region’s cost of living. Our Association’s relief teams from Costa Rica and Honduras worked with local mayors and governors as well as fire department personnel to prepare and deliver much-needed food supplies.

Relief recipient 1 (F): Thank you, Master, may God bless you. How gladdened we are because we’ve had days without eating.

VOICE: More than 800 families in the Departments of Choluteca and Nacaome benefited from the packages.

Carlos Cordero – Commander of Honduras Fire Brigade (M): We give thanks to Master Ching Hai, for what she has provided to us.

Luz Areli Valdés – Governor of Department of Valle (F): We are grateful because the aid comes to help many poor families who have faced this emergency. We know these flood problems that we are facing are due to climate change. We also ask all who inhabit the Earth that we cooperate with the environment.

Relief recipient 2, waving (F): Thank you, Master Ching Hai, thanks.

Relief recipient, smiling (M): We are grateful and may God protect her always.

Boy smiling (M): Thanks Master for the food.

VOICE: With thanks to the local governments and firefighting personnel of Honduras, we join in gratefulness for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving support to the families in distress. Our prayers for the Honduran people’s full restoration of their regular day-to-day lives, as we strive to minimize such disastrous events through a kinder relationship with the ecosphere.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=265&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Formosa (Taiwan) - 20 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).

Bringing torrential rains and devastating mudflows, Typhoon Megi brought extensive damage and claimed the lives of at least 36 people, including several in a Buddhist temple building as well as Chinese visitors who had been traveling in a landslide-stricken bus.

Conveying her deep condolences and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked that our nearby Association members please check with the officials to see if additional aid was needed. Seeing that the storm victims were generally well cared for and recovering, our Association members went to convey Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love and comfort to the family of one police officer who had lost his life in the line of duty due to a falling boulder during the storm. Tahsi Police Sergeant A-Kuei Lai’s widowed wife was also offered a cash gift to help with any financial needs at that time. Mrs. Lai appeared to become calmer as she expressed her gratitude for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love through the visit.

Upon receiving our Association member’s update, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested that they please bring candles, flowers, gifts for the children and to check again at some point to see if more help is needed for the policeman's family and others.

With thanks to all Formosan (Taiwanese) officials, police officers and personnel whose diligent efforts helped speed the recovery of the afflicted, we also appreciate Supreme Master Ching Hai’s sympathies and care, and our Association members for their neighborly gesture. Our prayers that the sorrows of such extreme weather events subside as we all turn to kinder ways to treat the Earth.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=266&page=3#v

[Nhím Hoàng Kim]

Relief News Update from Hainan, China - 22 Nov 2010

Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Hainan, China.

Beginning October 1, China’s southern island province of Hainan was deluged by its heaviest rains in decades, flooding over 1,160 villages in 16 of 18 total cities and counties and forcing the evacuation of more than 440,000. Later that month, another bout of torrential precipitation brought the number of affected residents to over 2.7 million, with three people who perished. More than 3,000 homes collapsed and 170,000 hectares of crops were inundated, including 74,000 that were completely destroyed. Transportation, power supplies and reservoirs were also seriously damaged.

Upon knowing of the initial distress in the region, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$15,000, sending her love and prayers, and requested that our nearby Association members go, if possible, to assist the vulnerable flood victims. Including contributions from our Association members, who quickly began the relief efforts, the combined US$19,000 donation could obtain US$136,000 in emergency supplies purchased in the United States, based on China’s cost of living. As per Supreme Master Ching Hai’s requests for updates, the following is a report from our Association’s Chinese relief team.

November 8, 2010
Re: Relief Work in Hainan Province

Most Beloved Master,

According to Master’s instruction, our Hainan Association members contacted the local government and volunteers about the disaster, while urgently sending 120 cartons of vegan instant noodles as an initial delivery to reach the flood affected in Haikou in a timely fashion. To address the victims’ needs, we then purchased quilts, rice, cooking oil, and tableware for further deliveries. Our Association members were joined by five friends and seven student volunteers from Hainan University who helped load the relief materials on trucks. Arriving at the heavily-hit Huiwen town in Wenchang, we initially could not get into the villages because the rain was too heavy. Concerned for our safety, some governmental officers advised us to drop off the relief materials in a central location. However, guided by one of the government workers, we took an alternate route through the fields and were eventually able to reach the villagers directly. With God’s blessings, we were able to deliver the relief goods under clear skies to several hundred victims in five affected sections, after which the rain began again! Our local Association members then organized into several teams and continued to bring supplies to the worst hit areas, including in Wenchang, Qionghai, Haikou, and Wanning, through October 30. They visited victims in schools, shelters, and devastated villages, as well as elderly and remote families. Apart from daily necessities, we also gave some monetary assistance to those from less privileged backgrounds. The relief recipients each expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the relief goods and Master’s love. We, too, thank Master for her compassionate care, which also gave our Association members much strength and hope.

Relief Team in China

Supreme Master Ching Hai sent the following reply: Thank you for your love to the unfortunate. May Heaven protect China. My love and prayers are with you and your people.

Our appreciation goes to Supreme Master Ching Hai for allowing us to share these details, as well as to our Association’s Foreign Group for providing this report. We are grateful for the assistance of the Chinese officials and other volunteers as well as for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional aid that helps comfort the disaster-stricken and the diligent efforts of our Association’s relief team. May the Chinese people be graced with a smooth recuperation of their regular day-to-day lives as our gentler regard for the environment helps restore the Earth’s balance.

http://www.suprememastertv.com/au/re...d=267&page=3#v