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

Since November, a tropical storm and unrelenting rains affected over 350,000 people across the northwestern regions of the Latin American country, claiming the lives of at least 8 people. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez oversaw relief efforts into December in high-risk regions, including the hardest-hit Falcon state and near the capital city Caracas.

(Report in Spanish)
Correspondent in Venezuela (F): We are, to be exact, in Falcon state, Acosta District. There are approximately 3,000 victims. At the moment, we are in the town of Los Cerritos. We had to come by water because it is inaccessible by road. And there are many children in need, who lack food, lack diapers, lack medicines. As you can see here in this part, there are families still isolated by the water. These people cannot get out.

VOICE: With her deep sympathies and prayers, on November 6, Supreme Master Ching Hai had sent an initial US$7,500 followed by a US$20,000 additional donation on December 4, for a total of US$27,500 in aid of the most desperate flood victims. With contributions from our Association members, the combined amount of US$33,200 could purchase approximately US$117,000 in urgently needed materials in the United States based on Venezuela’s cost of living. Responding to Supreme Master Ching Hai’s request, our Association’s relief teams from the USA arrived as quickly as possible and traveled to areas where displaced families were staying, offering food supplies and hygiene kits.

Correspondent (F): The people had to flee their homes, lost their belongings, and now need many things. For that, the aid has arrived just in time from Supreme Master Ching Hai. Everyone, wants to talk to and thank Master.

Local “Santa” and children (M): Thank you very much Master Ching Hai, on behalf of Venezuela and all the children!

Correspondent (F): We are trying to distribute some bags with the help of the International Red Cross of Venezuela.

René Arenas, MD – Physician, Venezuelan Red Cross (M): Now with the help of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, we have given strong support to care for these families, continually bringing them soap, shampoo, and all these things that are of personal use, also disinfectant bleach, soap powder, mops, brooms to sweep the floor. This is very important for them to maintain their health in good condition, not just the food, but also the personal hygiene.

VOICE: In addition to the material aid, relief recipients also welcomed information they received in the form of SOS flyers about the vegan solution to stop events such as the intensified disasters associated with climate change.

Displaced relief recipient, vegetarian (M): I'm a vegetarian, and well, it’s not necessary to have a diet using animals, because we get all the protein from the plants and everything necessary to live life. We are grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai, for the love and the support. May God take care of her.

Relief recipient (F): The community of La Villa gives thanks to the international organization, above all to the Supreme Master Ching Hai for this donation, located in the municipality of Acosta, Falcon State, Venezuela. Thank you!

Relief recipient (M): Long live Master Ching Hai! Group: Hurrah!

Correspondent (F): Reporting from Venezuela for Supreme Master Television.

VOICE: With appreciation to the Venezuelan government and the Venezuelan Red Cross, we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional aid to the flood-stricken, and our Association’s relief team for their caring work. Our prayers that the affected people’s lives rapidly resume their daily regularity and that our more eco-conscious lifestyles help such extreme events to subside.