Bringing Love to Japan Following Typhoon Wipha

By Tokyo, Japan Relief Team (Originally in Japanese)

On October 16, 2013, Typhoon Wipha, the eighth typhoon of 2013 and the 26th named tropical cyclone of the year, swept through Japan, with Izu Oshima Island being the hardest hit area.

Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall damaged 392 homes and buildings, of which 136 were destroyed. Thirty-six people lost their lives while three went missing.

Expressing Her deep sympathy, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested our Association members to help those affected and noted that financial assistance would be available as needed. Our Association members in Japan contributed JPY 118,287 (US$1,209) and formed a relief team from Tokyo to provide aid. We traveled to Izu Oshima on October 18 and 19 and distributed approximately 70 loving gift bags to those affected. The bags included The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Sample Booklet, Loving the Silent Tears CDs, vegan recipes, face masks, cookies and candy. Then on October 20, as strong winds and rain came to the area, our team purchased more supplies and delivered oranges, cookies and other items to a shelter housing 500 people.

On the island, the local self-defense force, police and firefighters continued working to rescue survivors and restore the area while volunteers helped to remove sediment and mud. Initially, our team was unable to find a car to rent in the area, but through Master’s love and blessing, some kindhearted people provided rides, thus enabling us to quickly complete our relief efforts.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
for Typhoon Wipha Relief Work in Izu Oshima, Japan