Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Oklahoma, USA.
The central US state has been struck by numerous storms, the latest of which brought １６ tornadoes on Wednesday, May １９.

Along with damage to several homes and businesses, power lines were downed and a few people sustained minor injuries.

Just a week earlier on May １０, １８ powerful wind funnels with winds of more than １００ miles-per-hour in some places had cost the lives of five people perished and caused more than １１０ to be injured, as trees were uprooted and vehicles overturned.

Governor Brad Henry pledged assistance, declaring an emergency in over two-thirds of the state’s counties as dozens of homes were lost and tens of thousands of others were without power.

Conveying her condolences and deep concern, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked our local Association members to see if help was needed, saying that financial aid would be available as necessary.

Covering their own travel expenses, our Oklahoman Association members quickly went to assess the needs in several areas including the severely hit city of Norman, where two people had lost their lives and ４０ houses were destroyed in the May １０ wind funnel.

In response to a request from the main shelter, the relief team delivered supplies of nutritious vegan food, drinking water, and fuel for powering equipment to help clear debris.
The local residents, who were struggling to begin clean-up of their damaged homes and neighborhoods, were thankful for the unexpected extra aid. Meanwhile, our Association members also have offered to assist a family with three injured children who had lost their mother in the storm.

We are thankful for the initiatives of Governor Henry and all other officials and personnel in providing meaningful help to the storm victims.

Our gratefulness also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving concern and the efforts of our Association’s relief team.

Wishing the storm-affected a swift return to their peaceful day-to-day lives and that such traumatic events subside through our gentler care of the planet.