Working Together to Help Drought-Affected Families in Âu Lạc

By France News Team (Originally in French)

In the spring of 2016, the most severe drought in 90 years along the Mekong River in Âu Lạc left the delta scorched. In addition, farmers in the Mekong Delta region have seen their crops withered by the salty water coming inland from the sea. The situation is being made worse by hydroelectric dams built upstream in other countries that reduce water flow. Among the millions of affected people in the Mekong Delta area were 250 families in the rural commune of Tân Thành of Tân Châu District, Tây Ninh Province who recently returned to Âu Lạc from Cambodia, and had not yet received assistance. They were in desperate need of food and shelter.

Alarmed by the dire situation of these families and following Supreme Master Ching Hai’s instruction to assist those in need, our Aulacese Association members from Saigon and Dâu Tieng, Tây Ninh Province carried out the relief work. Our Association members in Paris, France contributed EUR 3,950, and those from Helsinki, Finland contributed EUR 800 for the relief effort.

Our Dâu Tieng relief team visited all the families in September to assess their needs, and prepared relief items accordingly. Each family was given a ticket to claim their portion of the supplies.

The distribution took place in the courtyard of a Buddhist temple on October 11, and each family was able to obtain emergency supplies, including 20 kilograms of rice, soy sauce, cooking oil, sugar, soy milk, medicine, soap, candles and canvas sheets. Deeply touched, the recipients expressed sincere appreciation, and were encouraged to become vegan to help protect the planet and reduce future calamities.

May all those affected by the drought be blessed with prosperous days ahead as more and more people choose the compassionate way of life.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Drought Relief Work in Âu Lạc