By Âu Lạc News Team (Originally in Aulacese)
Due to the consequences of climate change, prolonged floods as well as Tropical Storm Talas adversely affected the northern provinces of Âu Lạc in the summer of 2017. Many people suffered difficulties and experienced lack of necessities. From Tropical Storm Talas alone, 14 people lost their lives, some 2,700 homes and over 250,000 acres of crop fields were damaged. Quang Hiến Commune, Lang Chánh District in Thanh Hóa Province was one of the worst hit areas. The lost harvest also caused people to suffer from famine.
Following Supreme Master Ching Hai’s instruction to provide assistance to those in need, our local Association members contributed VND 172,750,000 (US$7,601), with reimbursement available from Master’s fund. Our members in Northern Âu Lạc formed a relief team to help those in the most desperate situations. With the fund, our team prepared 200 gift packages for the affected people, each including clothes, a blanket, a mosquito net, rice, cookies, candies, sugar, instant noodles, cooking oil and seasonings. On July 19, 2017, despite heavy rains and strong winds, we traveled a long distance to deliver the relief goods by cars to Quang Hiến Commune. The extra 10 gift packages and 90 kilograms of instant noodles would be shared with the needy families and the donation center at the hospital in Lang Chánh.
The recipients were very touched and grateful to receive the loving gifts, especially during this difficult time. The Red Cross and the local government sent us a letter of appreciation, stating, “On behalf of the people receiving gifts at Quang Hiến Commune, Lang Chánh District, we are sending you our deepest thanks and best wishes to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, who offered Her love and material assistance to the affected area.” Our Association members from Northern Âu Lạc are also very grateful to Master for giving us the opportunity to do this meaningful work. We pray for the return of normal life to all those affected, with Heaven’s blessings.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Flood Relief Work in Thanh Hóa Province, Âu Lạc
Description | Amount (VND) | Receipt |
Clothing | 69,815,000 | A |
Rice, noodles, sugar | 57,035,000 | B |
Cookies, candies, milk | 7,600,000 | C |
Blankets/mosquito nets | 33,600,000 | D |
Gas/Transportation | 4,700,000 | E |
Total | VND 172,750,000 (US$7,601) |