Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news from Guatemala.
A series of earthquakes in the nation's southwest on September 19, ranging in magnitude from 4.5 to 5.8, claimed the lives of at least three people, injured others, and affected 3,000 families in the Santa Rosa region.
The next day, a large mudslide in Huehuetenango state left at least 15 people perished or missing.

Elderly victim (M): Really we are experiencing a difficult time.

Victim (M): For us, it was pretty shocking, to see our houses destroyed, our families with a lot of panic.

VOICE: With all her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$10,000 and asked our Association’s relief team to render any aid needed, especially to the most desperate. This amount could acquire US$91,000 in materials if bought in the United States, based on Guatemala’s cost of living. Supreme Master Ching Hai further reimbursed travel and related expenses of US$1,540 for relief team members from Costa Rica.

After meeting with delegates from Guatemala's national disaster reduction agency, the relief team purchased vegan food supplies for 600 families, which were then packed with the help of local volunteers.

Containing rice, beans, sugar, corn, salt, and oil, these items were then delivered to a total of nine communities in the municipalities of Santa Maria Ixhuatan and Cuilapa.

Relief recipient (F): We greatly appreciate the support we got at this time from Master Ching Hai, only to help us.

Relief recipient (M): I thank you deeply, to Supreme Master Ching Hai, as she was concerned for us and sent you, and I also want to thank you very much. Give my regards to her from us. Take with you a grain of love from us.

VOICE: With appreciation for the Guatemalan officials and volunteers for their assistance, we join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her caring support and our Association’s relief team for their sincere endeavors.
With prayers for the soon recuperated lives of the affected people, we pray that such tragic events may be lessened through our gentler regard for all beings in the ecosphere.