Relief news from El Salvador - 22 Nov 2011  
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Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news from El Salvador.
Over 10 days of non-stop rains in October resulted in significant flooding and landslides , claiming at least10 lives. With some 300,000 people were affected, a state of national emergency was declared, and small farmers tried to cope with devastating crop losses after they had been looking forward to the year’s best harvest.

Conveying all her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai offered US$20,000 to assist the flood-stricken, asking that our nearest Association members please go to render aid and comfort.

This amount could purchase US$130,000 in emergency materials if bought in the United States, based on El Salvador’s cost of living.

As Association members came from Costa Rica to help as well, Supreme Master Ching Hai reimbursed US$1,700 for the relief team’s travel expenses.

Octulio Coreas – Health educator, Pichiche (M): It has been a disaster which left us completely idle, has not left us anything to eat, so we give thanks to the Master on behalf of our community.
We will always remember you.

VOICE: Our Association's combined relief team from El Salvador and Costa Rica first met with San Salvadoran Governor Fernando Gonzalez and Civil Protection Minister Ernesto Zelanyanelía to determine the regions of greatest need.

They then purchased food supplies for communities in the department of La Paz that had not yet been adequately helped. The materials they obtained included rice, beans, corn flour, salt, sugar, oil, and soy milk that could nourish 1,350 families for approximately 10 days.

With the help of the nation's soldiers as well as members of the Civil Protection and other agencies, the items were efficiently packed and delivered to 19 communities in just a few days.
SOS flyers were also shared with officials and citizens about the vegan solution to preventing climate change-related disasters.

The relief team reported, “Everyone felt the kind understanding and fraternity of Supreme Master Ching Hai towards the most in need. Hugs, smiles, looks of love and gratitude were reciprocal.
They were so happy, sending their touching and grateful greetings to Supreme Master Ching Hai.”

José Cisco Escamilla – Assistant coordinator, Pichiche Community Civil Protection Committee (M): I have no words to say thank you, Master. May God bless you, may God multiply all these benefits that have come to help this community.

Yanira Barahona Rico – Governor, Department of La Paz (F): I want to thank you wholeheartedly, and with a big solidarity hug, my dear Master Ching Hai. We hope that not only the storm will bring you here, but that in peaceful moments, we can see you sharing this great testimony of love that you give us. Thank you very much, Master Ching Hai.

Group (M,F): Thank you, Master!

VOICE: With our thanks for the helpful assistance of the government officials and personnel, we join in gratefulness for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving support from afar and our Association relief team’s caring efforts. May such unsettling calamities subside through our greater kindness toward other beings and our shared environment.