Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from India. In early November, torrential rains triggered massive landslides in Keti Village of Ooty City in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Many homes were destroyed, with at least 43 fatalities and several hundred people injured. A total of 2,335 people were affected and more than 14,000 hectares of crops were damaged. On November 10, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$10,000 in aid for those cases most in need, while expressing her sorrowful heart and prayers for the victims. This amount could acquire US$162,000 in supplies if purchased in the United States, based on India’s cost of living.
Covering their travel and related expenses of US$2,078, our Association’s relief team from Formosa (Taiwan) reached the affected area in India on November 19. They contacted local government officials who said that the storm victims were being accommodated in 19 shelters and had been given fuel, food and blankets.
However, they still lacked warm clothing. The following day, Mr. Malavian, Collectorate of Ooty C Section, assisted the team in traveling to purchase 2,422 pairs of warm jackets and sweaters as well as warm clothing for children. The local government also helped our Association members distribute the clothing to Keti Village residents and other residents across the widely affected area.The local government officials expressed their gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her loving concern and material aid for the families and children.
We thank Mr. Malavian and other local Indian personnel for their kind assistance. Our gratefulness also to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her ever-ready help to those in need, and for our Association relief team’s diligent endeavors.May such weather calamities lessen as we strive for kinder actions toward each other and the ecosphere.
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