Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan). As the most severe storm to hit the island this year, Typhoon Fanapi swept through southern Formosa on September 19, triggering serious floods that immersed houses and roads with over 300 millimeters of water in some places. Three people lost their lives and 75 were injured in storm-related incidents, while over 12,000 trees were uprooted. Numerous structures suffered damage, including over 430 schools, along with significant agricultural losses. Sending her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai had immediately asked our Association members to please check and provide help to anyone who was in desperate need, saying that emergency aid funds were available. The day of the disaster, our Association members quickly put together US$2,710 of their own funds so as not to delay. They formed two relief teams and went to storm-hit areas in Pingtung and Kaohsiung. The group going to Pingtung visited Majia Township, an area that had been deluged by rain.

(In Chinese)
Mr. Chih Liang Lu, Project Manager of the Aboriginal Cultural and Educational Association, Pingtung County, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): There are collapses in many parts of the roads in these areas. There used to a temporary bridge in Ila, but it now has already slumped.

VOICE: Because the typhoon struck within days of the anticipated Moon Festival celebration, our Association’s relief team also brought vegan moon cakes, in addition to cash assistance for the storm-afflicted in indigenous communities.

Mr. Chih Liang Lu (M): We are very thankful to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association who came as soon as it happened, bringing the relief supplies with love. A group of attendants from our tribes has just set off delivering the relief supplies to the victims right after we received them. They will be able to enjoy the moon cakes from Supreme Master Ching Hai today. It’s really appreciated.

VOICE: The relief team traveling to Kaohsiung went to the severely flood-hit areas of Gangshan and Alian. Mud and debris covered the area, with soldiers helping local residents as they worked to clean up their homes and neighborhoods. In each community, the village chief or policemen willingly offered to accompany our Association members to visit affected households in disadvantaged areas. Conveying Master’s love, they offered relief materials as well as financial aid to the families. They also gave out SOS flyers with information about climate change, and explained the vegan solution to such disasters. The affected residents conveyed their deep appreciation for Master’s love and prompt assistance.

(In Formosan)
Relief recipient, Kaohsiung, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): Thank you Supreme Master Ching Hai. Thanks for your blessings and protection, in coming to help us from the flooding. Thank you very much! Thank you! Relief recipient Kaohsiung, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for helping us.

VOICE: We, too, thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support, as well as our Association’s relief teams for their timely and sincere efforts. Wishing the Formosan people a smooth return to regular day-to-day lives, as we strive to care more gently for each other and the environment.