Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Tennessee.
On May 1, heavy storms hit the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in the east and southeastern regions of the United States, claiming at least 31 lives and causing widespread damage.

As thousands of streets and buildings became inundated, residents were forced to evacuate, with many wading up to chest-high in water or having to use boats.

In Nashville, Tennessee alone, more than 2,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, which left 2,600 people homeless. While not all victims could be reached immediately, federal and state governments as well as many aid groups and communities themselves mobilized both emergency and longer-term rebuilding assistance.

Relief recipient 1 (F): The water was rushing through so fast, it got up to about five feet high down here. It was terrible, it was so scary.
Relief recipient 2 (F): It hasn't happened in about 50 years, and we really figured we were going to be okay, until we waded in chest-deep water to try to get clothes so we'd have something to wear.

VOICE: Immediately after the tragic disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent her condolences and prayers along with a donation of US$4,600 so that our Association members could bring urgent relief supplies to the not-yet-reached parts of Nashville, Tennessee, the hardest-hit area.

Our Association’s relief team purchased cleaning supplies, including washcloths, disposable wipes, mops and pails, and delivered them to the most devastated communities.
In addition, approximately 50 households received financial aid ranging from US$40 to US$300 according to need.

Relief recipient 2 (F): Yes, we need this. Thank you so much! One group of about 50 families with small children living in still-stranded trailer homes wholeheartedly expressed their thanks, as they had not received adequate assistance yet.

Relief recipient 3 (F): They all have children, and there’s no aid, no diapers, no food, nothing. I have three children here.

VOICE: One aid recipient later even called the relief team from the hospital after she gave birth to send her gratefulness to Supreme Master Ching Hai, saying that she was so touched to know that someone in the world cares so much for others. Others also conveyed their appreciation.

Relief recipient 1 (F): Thank you. I wasn’t expecting that. You’re going to make me cry. Thank you.
Relief recipient 2 (F): Thank you so much Supreme Master Ching Hai. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and for this trailer court.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You do not know what you have done. Thank you, thank you.

VOICE: Our appreciation to the federal and state governments, organizations and all others who have been helping the storm victims.

We also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her rapid and caring support and our Association’s relief team for their dedicated efforts.

We pray for the storm afflicted residents’ smooth return to their productive day-to-day lives, and that such weather extremes diminish through our collective choice of eco-conscious lifestyles.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0626961720100510
http://www.examiner.com/x-3663-Nashville-Weather-Examiner~y2010m5d3-Massive-flood-strikes-Nashville--Middle-Tennessee