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

Unrelenting thunderstorms striking China’s Hainan Island starting in October 2010 caused what were said to be the worst floods in 100 years. At least three people lost their lives and over 2.7 million residents were affected with more than 1,100 villages deluged.

Upon first hearing of the situation in October, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately donated US$15,000, conveying her deep love and prayers as she asked that our nearby Association members please go to help the most desperate. Combined with donations from our Association members, the total US$21,000 contribution could purchase US$150,000 in urgent necessities acquired in the United States, based on China’s cost of living.

As soon as conditions permitted, our Association’s Chinese relief team traveled to Hainan, covering their own expenses of approximately US$900. After bringing aid to the worst affected areas of Wenchang City, they went to visit the heavily-hit Haikou City, accompanied by local government officials and the Red Cross.

Correspondent (F): We are in Longtang town, Haikou City of Hainan Province, China. When the disaster occurred, several villages were flooded. More than one month later, the floodwaters still have not completely receded.

Hongrui Qiu (邱宏锐), General Secretary of Hainan Red Cross Volunteer Club China (M): The situation may remain for another two months. We should say these kinds of disasters are made by people: the destruction of the environment directly led to the heavy rain.

Local resident 1, Fudao Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): This place has never been flooded, for several hundred years it hasn’t been flooded. If only we could put our possessions at higher places. Who knew the flood would come all of a sudden.

VOICE: Along with structures, the crops in many areas were also devastated, with victims still living in the tents provided by the government. Our Association members prepared warm vegan meals for over 300 local residents, who said it was the first time in a month that they had the chance to eat such delicious and nutritious food. The relief team also distributed 600 quilts in five villages, as well as setting up tents in remote villages, just in time to help guard them against rains and the dropping temperatures.

Correspondent (F): We are now at Longxin village where it was most affected by the flood disaster. Our Association members are distributing cold resistant quilts to the villagers.

Relief recipient, Longxin Village, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): Welcome to our village and thank you for your help!

Longxin Village committee member, Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (M): Thank you so much for bringing us so many things. Thank you very much, from the bottom of our hearts.

Young relief recipient 2, Fudao Village (F): Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai. Thanks.

Correspondent (F): Reporting for Supreme Master Television, from Hainan, China.

VOICE: Our heartfelt appreciation, government officials and Red Cross personnel, for your assistance as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional care and our Association’s relief team for their diligent endeavors. Our prayers for the smooth restoration of regular day-to-day lives to the flood-hit regions and that such disasters are averted through our greater care for each other and the environment.