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

Starting in October 2010, eastern Hainan Island was hit by thunderstorms thought to be the most severe in 100 years, which flooded over 1,160 villages in 16 counties and cities, affecting more than 2.7 million people. Three people lost their lives and 170,000 hectares of farmland were inundated, of which 74,000 hectares were completely destroyed.

When the disastrous situation was first reported in October, Supreme Master Ching Hai had sent her love and prayers as she donated US$15,000, asking that our nearby Association members go if possible to assist the vulnerable flood victims. Including contributions from our Association members as they quickly began the relief efforts, the combined US$21,000 donation could obtain US$150,000 in emergency supplies if purchased in the United States, based on the cost of living in China.

After contacting the local government and sending initial food supplies to the affected, our Association’s Chinese relief team traveled to Hainan, covering their own expenses of around US$900. They first went to the worst affected areas of Wenchang City, where the situation still looked grave even a month after the initial disaster. 

Correspondent, Wenchang City, Hainan Province, China (F): I’m in Wenchang City of Hainan Province. This is the area which suffered most from the flood disaster. As you can see here behind me, it has become ruins already. The water at the time surpassed the roofs of the houses. Although the floodwaters have now subsided, it is already uninhabitable.
 
Relief recipient 2, Maizhou Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): I told the seniors to escape quickly, and said the most important is to be alive! At that time, the house collapsed—bang! The noise was big. I immediately ran outside. Wow, the floodwater was so big, and it was an extremely dangerous situation.

Relief recipient 1, Maizhou Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): It flooded very quickly, extremely fast! Like, in one breath’s time, it was 40 centimeters deep—I was there at the time—when I took another breath, it had already gone above my head! So, it was so fast, and with a very strong force. People helped each other, especially the young people together helped all the elders and children moving to a higher place, so we didn’t lose a single life in our village. That’s the situation.

VOICE: With the weather becoming colder, the afflicted were most in need of quilts and nourishing grains. Accompanied by local government officials and the Red Cross, our Association members delivered 200 bags of rice to the villagers while conveying Supreme Master Ching Hai’s deep sympathy and concern.

Relief recipient 1, Maizhou Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): Thank you! Really, from the bottom of my heart, thanks to all of you who love us and are concerned about victims’ suffering, and all of you with a loving heart.
 
Relief recipient 2, Maizhou Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): Thanks to the disciples of Supreme Master Ching Hai for coming here to help us. Many thanks!

VOICE: Our appreciation, government officials and Red Cross personnel, for your caring assistance as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional support along with our Association’s relief team for their attentive endeavors. May Heaven bless the Chinese people with a smooth recuperation to stable day-to-day lives, as we seek gentler ways to ensure a stabilized ecosphere.