Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).

In late October, Typhoon Megi inflicted severe damage in Formosa (Taiwan), with 38 people who lost their lives and another 96 injured. Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately asked that our nearby Association members please check with local officials to see if any help was required. Expressing her deep sympathies and prayers, she also requested that they go if possible to bring comfort to the afflicted, saying that funds were available for urgent needs.

Finding that the storm victims were receiving sufficient care, our Association members visited Mr. Chou Yu-Ching, a firefighter who had been injured during a landslide search and rescue mission. Following days of rain, Mr. Chou, who works with the Haishan Search Branch in Taipei County’s Fire Bureau, had selflessly rushed with his brother to an area near the northeastern Suhua Highway as soon as he heard that the landslide had hit.

(In Chinese)
Chou Yu-Ching, Haishan Search Branch, Fire Bureau, Taipei County, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): We were anxious to get to the disaster stricken site to help people. So although it was raining, we still went on. It was a dangerous zone. The site was not cleared. In addition, it’s a valley with a river running through. So the working environment was the least ideal. We walked there. Actually, any rock we stepped on might slide. Then suddenly, (I heard) my brother call my name. I looked up and saw a rock was coming towards me. There was no time for running. I could only jump. But I didn’t jump far enough. One of my feet was crushed. The moment the rock ran over my foot, out of shock and desperation, I used all my strength and pulled it out. If I didn’t, the whole part of the mountain would have come down on me. Then I started to crawl to try to get away. Seeing that I was about to be crushed again, my younger brother quickly grabbed my collar and kept pulling me up.

VOICE: Fortunately, they escaped further harm. However, the extent of injury to Mr. Chou’s foot required the removal of one of his toes. Visiting him at the hospital, our Association members offered some cash assistance and also presented small gifts. Mr. Chou remained humble and gracious as he conveyed his appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s support and the visit.

Chou Yu-Ching, Haishan Search Branch, Fire Bureau, Taipei County, Formosa (Taiwan) (M): My doctor says that it might affect my balance. But I think that it can be fixed by some recovery exercise and training. I hope that when my foot is recovered, I can return to my job to work for disaster relief.

VOICE: We send a hero’s salute to Mr. Chou Yu-Ching and his brother for their bravery and self-sacrifice as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her detailed care extended to all those in need. Wishing Mr. Chou a smooth recuperation and many cherished moments with loved ones, as we strive for more conscientious stewardship to help minimize such distressing conditions as these.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhua_Highway