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

Severe floods and mudslides from Typhoon Morakot’s landfall on August 7 left villages buried, communities stranded and over 600 people who perished.

Expressing her condolences and love, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$30,000 on August 8 for relief and more as necessary.

She requested that our Formosan Association members provide ongoing assistance wherever needed. They responded by starting relief work, covering their own expenses and contributing a total of US$153,000 of their own funds thus far.Taihe Elementary School of Meishan Township in the mountainous area of Chiayi was one of the most affected, having been overwhelmed by mud.

As part of their overall efforts, our Association's relief team organized nine four-wheel drive vehicles to deliver a generator, books, fuel and other health supplies to the school.

Deputy of Academic Affairs Supervisor Mr. Zhuang Sheng-Quan expressed his gratitude, saying that the school had also received our Association’s SOS flyers with information about the vegan solution to global warming.

Mr. Zhuang Sheng-Quan, Deputy Academic Affairs Supervisor of Taihe Elementary School (M): In regards to the global warming crisis, we’ve been raising awareness amongst our students.  
We focus on recycling and encourage a veg diet.

VOICE: In assessing the disaster situation, our Association members also attended a press conference on Typhoon Morakot. There, Formosan President Ma Ying-jeou spoke of the government's own efforts to protect citizens in the event of a similar climate-related disaster.

President Ma Ying-jeou – Formosa (M):Now, as a result of climate change, disasters like Morakot are not that unusual. So we have to be prepared for the worst.
We are drafting a piece of legislation called Homeland Planning Act, which will divide the country into different regions.

Some may have to be evacuated. This is very difficult in this country, but we attach a lot of importance to the factor of global warming.

VOICE: We appreciate President Ma Ying-jeou’s initiatives to ensure the welfare of all Formosans. Our gratefulness also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt care to those in need, as well as our Association’s relief team for their dedicated endeavors.

With the grace of the Providence, may our world be freed of such potential tragedies as more people turn to kinder, eco-conscious ways.