Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Formosa (Taiwan).

Bringing torrential rains and devastating mudflows, Typhoon Megi brought extensive damage and claimed the lives of at least 36 people, including several in a Buddhist temple building as well as Chinese visitors who had been traveling in a landslide-stricken bus.

Conveying her deep condolences and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked that our nearby Association members please check with the officials to see if additional aid was needed. Seeing that the storm victims were generally well cared for and recovering, our Association members went to convey Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love and comfort to the family of one police officer who had lost his life in the line of duty due to a falling boulder during the storm. Tahsi Police Sergeant A-Kuei Lai’s widowed wife was also offered a cash gift to help with any financial needs at that time. Mrs. Lai appeared to become calmer as she expressed her gratitude for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love through the visit.

Upon receiving our Association member’s update, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested that they please bring candles, flowers, gifts for the children and to check again at some point to see if more help is needed for the policeman's family and others.  

With thanks to all Formosan (Taiwanese) officials, police officers and personnel whose diligent efforts helped speed the recovery of the afflicted, we also appreciate Supreme Master Ching Hai’s sympathies and care, and our Association members for their neighborly gesture. Our prayers that the sorrows of such extreme weather events subside as we all turn to kinder ways to treat the Earth.