The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Peru Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
In February 2011, the government of Peru declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Huanta and Huamanga and in the city of Vilcashuamán in the Ayacucho Region due to flooding caused by torrential rains.Thousands of people were left homeless and many bridges, roads and other infrastructure damaged. Conveying Her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested that our nearby Association members provide assistance to the those most desperate, adding that emergency funds are available.
In early March, after learning from the local government of the Huanta District in Huanta Province about the needs of those in the most remote areas in the district, our relief team of Peruvian Association members drove to the Huachoccocha and Muyurina communities. Many parts of the road were affected by the flooding. After arriving, we distributed food and cleaning supplies purchased with Master’s funds of US$2,000 to the grateful families. We also explained to the affected people how to avoid future disasters by living a vegan lifestyle with a more harmonious relationship with nature.
Expressing thanks on behalf of the people of Huanta Province for the relief efforts, the Mayor of Huanta Province, the Honorable Carlos Alberto Rúa Carbajal, sent a letter of appreciation to The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in which he also acknowledged our Association’s earth-protecting efforts.
The rainfall continued from February through April in the regions of Ucayali and Iquitos, leading to the worst landslides and floods in half a century. Forty people perished, others have disappeared and tens of thousands lost their homes. Agricultural lands were also destroyed. Upon receiving Master’s emergency funds of US$10,000, our relief team went to Pucallpa, the capital city of the Ucayali Region, and distributed more food and water to families in need.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Peru
| Description | Amount (PEN) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Food (corn, rice, lentils, peas, soy milk, ground corn, oats, vegan pastries and mineral water), biodegradable soap and detergent | 28,856.20 | A, C |
| Travel (flights, lodging and food) and other miscellaneous expenses for the relief team | 4,305.84 | B, D |
| Total | PEN 33,162.04 US$12,022.15 |
