Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Tajikistan.
On January 2, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook many villages in the country’s Pamir Mountains, destroying or damaging the vulnerable clay-and-stone homes of 1,000 families.

Scores of other buildings were leveled while mudslides further blocked roads.

Relief recipient (M): January 2 at 7:15 am the earthquake started. It was so scary. I have young children. I managed to grab two children outside. In 50 years it’s the first time I’ve seen such an earthquake.

VOICE: The Tajik government, United Nations, Red Cross, and others brought emergency shelter, but a more complete recovery process was slow as families were unable to rebuild their houses until the spring thaw, and were also low on food supplies.

A. Shamsudinov – Deputy Mayor of Panji, Tajikistan (M): The families who suffered the most were provided with tents with the help of the government of the Tajikistan Republic and international organizations.
As of now, more than 160 families live in tents.

VOICE: With concerned sorrow and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai offered US$10,000 and immediately asked our nearest Association members to please go to help those most in need, such as the orphaned.

Covering their own travel and personal expenses amounting to US$5,680, our Association’s relief team from South Korea went to Tajikistan as soon as possible.

With additional donations from our Association members bringing the total to US$14,425, the team was able to obtain supplies valued at US$372,000 if purchased in the United States, based on Tajikistan’s cost of living.
Despite high snows, aftershocks, and a landslide during the 16-hour journey by car, our Association’s relief team reached the mountainous epicenter safely.

There, they delivered 17 tons of flour, pasta, sugar and warm clothes to the afflicted families.
Villagers were deeply appreciative and wished to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her care from afar.

Relief recipient (M): Master Ching Hai, big thanks for this support in such time of a large earthquake.
VOICE: A surprise visit was also made to an orphanage for 90 disadvantaged children, who received gifts of clothes, toys and cookies. Funds were also given for some urgently needed repairs.

Young relief recipient (M): Thanks to Master Ching Hai!

Mardihudo Gishhon – Village head, Tajikistan (M): Thank you Master Ching Hai.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Tajik government and international groups assisting the quake victims. We also join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her rapid, caring response, and our Association’s relief team for their diligent efforts.

Our prayers that Heaven continues to shield the goodhearted people of Tajikistan, as we look forward to a planet made peaceful again through our kinder treatment of all.