Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Australia. Amidst devastating floods throughout December and January in Queensland and Victoria states of Australia, not only people but also animals suffered hugely. The toll in fatalities for humans exceeded 30, while many stranded animal companions were separated from their families and there were untold losses among wildlife.

Michael Beatty – Media and Community Relations, RSPCA (M): Virtually half the state was almost under water at one point. So a lot of animals did go missing. But a lot were found through our Lost and Found website.

Michael Beatty (M): This was an area that was also flooded. I think it came up about half-way on this wall. It means that during the floods the water becomes contaminated, so a lot of the equipment that we had needed to be thrown out.

Diane Butts – Major Donor and Corporate Development, RSPCA (F): This was so badly damaged, so the water came right up to the ceiling.

Mark (M): We’re just opening softly at the moment. We opened to adoptions last weekend; we had 139 animals adopted on Saturday and Sunday. So 139 new forever homes we’re very pleased with.

VOICE: With heartfelt sympathy and prayers for all the flood affected, Supreme Master Ching Hai had donated in total AUS$30,000 in emergency assistance, with AUS$10,000 to go toward the aid of animals in need through the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Mark (M): Thank you very much, Supreme Master Ching Hai. As I say, we couldn’t operate without generous people like yourself. Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.

VOICE: With gratefulness to RSPCA and all others who have been working to save defenseless animal flood victims, we also join in thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for her considerate support of the animals in need, with appreciation as well for our Association members’ relief efforts. Our prayers for the protection of everyone impacted by these devastating floods and pray that such tragedies will soon be averted through humanity’s gentler lifestyles.