Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Angola.
In December 2009, more than 900 families were rendered homeless as heavy rains caused the Luali River to overflow, destroying many homes in Buco-Zau of northern Cabinda province.

Sending her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai had quickly asked that our nearby Association members go as soon as possible to offer assistance and comfort to the most vulnerable.

She also offered to reimburse for the relief expenses. In all, approximately US$11,000 was used for the relief work, an amount that could purchase US$59,000 in items, if bought in the United States, based on the cost of living in Angola. Covering their own travel and related expenses, our Association’s relief team from Cameroon arrived in Cabinda on January 11.

The provincial government arranged a team of social workers to accompany them to the disaster area of Buco-Zau, where our Association members found that the victims were most in need of food and mattresses.  
On January 19, our Association’s relief team returned to Buco-Zau with two trucks of supplies including rice, oil, and mattresses. The vice mayor of the town greeted them warmly while expressing his gratitude, saying that they were the only non-governmental organization to come help them.

With the help of local workers, they quickly distributed the materials while conveying Master’s love. Throughout the relief work, they also distributed informative SOS flyers, which were welcomed by the Angolan people, some of whom asked to help distribute more.

The Deputy Administrator of the city of Buco-Zau also sent Supreme Master Ching Hai a letter of appreciation, with an excerpt as follows:To Supreme Master Ching Hai Our respectful compliments We appreciate the support provided, as it will help normalize the difficulties experienced by the victims of the floods from the Luali River on December 10, 2009.

Hoping that you may continue your work as you do. Our sincere thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai. Wishing you success in your work. Administration of the Municipality of Buco-Zau José Macaia, Municipality Deputy Administrator

VOICE: We appreciate the assistance of the Cabinda and Buco-Zau government and volunteers. We are also grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s wholehearted care of the Angolan people, and for the sincere endeavors of our Association’s relief team. May Heaven bless the flood-affected with a swift recuperation to the regularity of their fulfilling day-to-day lives as such disasters are alleviated through our gentler stewardship of the Earth.