Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).
Typhoon Morakot struck Formosa on August 7 and 8, triggering severe floods and landslides.
At least 108 lives have been lost, over 10,000 evacuated, and hundreds remain unaccounted for as entire villages were destroyed, mostly in the worst hit Kaohsiung County.

Many roads and bridges were swept away, stranding thousands in places like remote mountain villages, which have become only accessible by air.

The 34,000 Formosan (Taiwanese) troops originally deployed for rescue operations have been joined by 4,000 more. Their efforts have thus far resulted in the airlifting of 14,000 residents to safety, including 1,000
from three villages that had been completely buried by landslides.

Foreign aid requested by President Ma Ying-jeou has also begun to arrive, including donations from China, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.

Upon hearing of this tragedy, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately donated an initial US$30,000 and stated that more funds are available as needed for our Formosan Association members to go help, while sending her condolences and love.

A relief team was quickly formed and set out for the most affected areas, with members contributing their own funds for travel.

One group in our Association’s relief team set up a veg food supply station where 4,000 veg lunch meals and 6,000 veg dinners were cooked for the victims, soldiers, and relief workers on the first day. When the Puzi River later burst its banks and the Chiayi County Social Affairs Department appealed to our Association for help, relief team members prepared thousands of food supply packages along with informative SOS flyers about the tolls of global warming.

Another team has been working to reach isolated areas and is currently bringing wounded victims out of afflicted mountain regions using a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Mr. Tong Shen Lee, Captain of the 3rd team of Fire Bureau, Dong Gang Township, Pingtung County (M): Our Fire Bureau must saved many patients and trapped people in the disaster area. But we need the non-governmental relief organizations like you to help. And thank you very much.

VOICE: Our thankfulness, Formosan officials and rescue workers for your tireless efforts in saving countless lives.

We are also truly grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s comfort and security to the most affected.
Our prayers for the smooth recovery of the distressed villagers’ productive daily lives and that our Earth
may soon stabilize through our greater consideration and care.