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

A torrent of rains late last year led to severe flooding in Sudan’s Red Sea state, claiming some 70 lives and displacing hundreds more, with villages near Tokar, 150 kilometers from Port Sudan, being worst-hit. Upon hearing of the calamitous situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately donated US$18,000, an amount that could purchase US$363,000 in emergency aid if obtained in the United States, based on the cost of living in Sudan.

Expressing her deep sympathies and prayers, she also asked that our nearby Association members please go if possible to offer comfort to those most in need. Our Association’s relief team from Benin initially went to Sudan but were unable to safely enter the disaster-stricken region. After further monitoring the situation, our relief team from Formosa (Taiwan) was able to also travel to affected areas, covering their own expenses of approximately US$2,100. When they arrived, they were met by Police Chief Ali Sukar of Agige District, who said that around 25,000 people had been affected as late as January 24, and the situation was still very serious despite the efforts of state services. He then accompanied our Association members to the locations most desperately in need where they delivered sorghum for 12,000 disaster victims. Both the government of Port Sudan and the relief recipients expressed their deep appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s caring aid as they conveyed their earnest wish that she would be able to help the region again.

We are grateful for the assistance of Police Chief Ali Sukar and all officials as well as for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt assistance and for the selfless endeavors of our Association’s relief teams. May the Sudanese people be graced with a swift recovery of their regular daily lives, as we pray that humanity’s kinder regard for all beings helps ensure the stability of the ecosphere.

Supreme Master Ching Hai responded to this update with a message saying that she thanks also the police chief, officials and our Association members wholeheartedly and prays for Sudan's wellness.