Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Malawi.
On December 20, 2009 while some 3,000 Malawians were still residing in makeshift shelters due to damages caused by previous quakes, the tiny nation was again jolted by a powerful 6.0-magnitude temblor, followed by over 12 aftershocks.

Three people lost their lives and another 200 were injured, with some 36,000 affected as buildings and homes collapsed in the northern district of Karonga.

Conveying her prayers and heartfelt sympathies, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$10,000 for our nearby Association members go help the most desperate, including the bereaved, the elderly and any orphaned.

This amount could purchase US$516,000 in essential supplies bought in the United States, based on Malawi’s cost of living. Covering their own travel and related expenses with US$1,000 of their own funds, our Association’s relief team from South Africa went to assess the disaster area of Karonga District.

There they joined their efforts with the Red Cross, which was providing food supplies, mosquito nets, shelter tool kits, tents, and laundry soap to the victims.

As the Malawians expressed a need for body soap to attend to personal hygiene, especially as they were living in crowded conditions, our Association members purchased and distributed this along with the other relief supplies, much to the appreciation of the recipients.

We appreciate the prompt initiatives of the Red Cross to help the Malawian people.

Our thanks also goes to Supreme Master Ching Hai or her sincere care of the quake-stricken, as well as to our Association’s relief team for their diligent endeavors.

With Heaven’s grace, may the lives of the Malawians soon resume their wholesome regularity as such events are minimized through humanity’s increased stewardship of the ecosphere.