Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Nepal.
As the country came under the grip of extreme cold for weeks beginning in early January, around 42 people succumbed to the severe weather. Upon hearing of the fatal conditions, Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed her deep sorrow and prayers as she donated approximately US$4,000 for our Association members to bring urgent necessities to the most vulnerable.

After consulting with the local Red Cross Society, our Nepalese Association members found that one of the affected areas, Sunsari District in the southeastern Nepal, had 235 homeless families who had been taking refuge in a tent-like shelter since being displaced two years earlier by flooding from the Koshi River.
Each family of five to 12 people, including children, did not have a bed, let alone adequate blankets and clothing.

Upon learning of the families' situations, Supreme Master Ching Hai on April 12 donated US$10,000 more in aid for this, with all her love. The total US$14,000 donation could purchase US$553,000 in emergency items if obtained in the United States, based on Nepal’s cost of living.

In early February, after having assessed the situation, our Association’s relief team went to the affected area.
Correspondent (M): Namaskar! Right now we are speaking from Haripur VDC (Village Development Committee) of Sunsari District, of Eastern Nepal. For the last few weeks, it was very cold here in this VDC. Because of this, the refugees living here had to face a lot of pain and suffering. Supreme Master Ching Hai has donated the blankets to the refugees to protect them from the severe cold weather.

VOICE: Assisted by local social worker Mr. Mohan Mandal, local police, and volunteers, our Association members distributed warm blankets and mattresses to all 235 families in need.  

Relief recipient (F): Many thanks for providing some mattresses and blankets in such cold. I am very happy, I am feeling very good.  Thanks from and on behalf of the displaced people.

Relief recipient (M): During this cold and chilly weather, at least we received these materials, and for this, with humble respect, I thank her.

Relief recipient (F): Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Correspondent (M): This is Supreme Master Television, reporting from Sunsari, Nepal.

VOICE: The Haripur VDC Unit of the Society for Preservation of Shelters and Habitations in Nepal (SPOSH-Nepal) later sent Supreme Master Ching Hai a letter of appreciation. The following is an excerpt:


VOICE: We appreciate the assistance of Mr. Mohan Mandal, local police, and volunteers. Our sincere gratefulness also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional support, and for the selfless endeavors of our Association’s relief team. May Heaven bless the Nepalese people with resiliency and warmth, as humanity strives to restore the equilibrium of the ecosphere through our kinder lifestyles.