Loving Help for Earthquake Victims

On September 7, 2012, earthquakes measuring 5.7 and 5.6 on the Richter scale struck China’s southwestern Yunnan Province, causing at least 81 casualties and injuring 821 people. More than 700,000 residents were affected in Yiliang District and Daguan District of Zhaotong City and Weining District in neighboring Guizhou Province. After hearing the news, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately allocated US$10,000 for emergency aid and requested local fellow initiates to form a rescue team.

On September 14, a team comprised of our Association members from Yunnan and volunteers from the Yunnan Buddhism Institute traveled to hard-hit Maoping Township in Yiliang to render aid. In addition to distributing army blankets, waterproof fabric etc., the team visited patients receiving treatment at the No. 1 People’s Hospital in Zhaotong City. Emergency funds were also provided to the severely injured and those in poverty.

On September 22, the team carried the provisions and funds, lovingly contributed by Master and fellow initiates, and made a four-hour journey along rugged mountain roads with local initiates in Daguan County, where they distributed quilts, blankets, socks, school uniforms, food and other provisions to the earthquake affected of Zhongping Village in Shoushang Township.

The following day, some members of the team distributed quilts, blankets, socks, warm clothing and other supplies to people in severely affected Xinmin Village, Shimen Township, Weining County. Others purchased rice in Zhaotong City and sought assistance from the Shimen Township Government in transporting the food to the area’s worst-hit villages.

The villagers were delighted with big smiles on their faces to receive the materials along with Master’s love and blessings, and thanked Master for Her loving concern. The relief team is grateful for the Divine blessing that enabled them to successfully perform their work.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Earthquake Refugees in the Zhaotong, Yunnan and Weining, Guizhou Areas of China

Description	Amount (CNY)	Receipt
Food (Rice)	35,056	A
Daily necessities (quilts),	20,800	B
Transportation fees	7,636	C
Miscellaneous expenses (red envelopes and eco-friendly bags)	70	D
Lodging	1,535	E
Gift money	60,000	F
Items contributed by Association members: quilts, blankets, warm undergarments, socks, and jackets.	0
Total	CNY125,097 (US$20,177)

* Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation and food.