By France News Group (Originally in French)
In January 2013, heavy rains swept Mozambique, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Floods washed through the country’s north where the Zambezi River overflowed, and the south, where the Limpopo River basin flooded. According to government reports, the disaster affected 420,000 people, causing 119 fatalities; furthermore, a cholera outbreak in northern provinces claimed another 17 lives. Roads, dikes, irrigation systems, schools, health centers and other basic social infrastructure were destroyed, forcing people to drink polluted water and eat food that was no longer safely edible. In the worst hit province of Gaza, over 140,500 people had to relocate, many to large makeshift camps located on higher grounds.
Following the Government of Mozambique’s declaration during the latter part of January that the disaster emergency was upgraded to a Red Alert, Supreme Master Ching Hai gave a contribution of EUR 10,000 toward relief efforts. Expressing Her deep concern for the suffering of the flood victims, She requested that our Association members in France please send the donation via the Embassy of Mozambique in Paris if possible. Touched by Master’s concern and love, His Excellency Alexandre da Conceiçao Zandamela, the Mozambican Ambassador to France, received representatives of our Association and explained the gravity of the situation in his country. He was very thankful for Master’s generous contribution, which came at a time of urgent need, and transmitted the check with Master’s donation directly to Mozambique’s National Disasters Management Institute (INGC). Upon receiving the funds, the INGC sent a letter of appreciation to Master.
Our sincere thankfulness, Your Excellency Alexandre da Conceiçao Zandamela, INGC, and all personnel for your dedicated efforts to bring aid to those in dire need. Our deep gratitude, our beloved Master, for Your compassion and support to our brethren in such trying times. May the people of Mozambique have a swift recovery to stable day-to-day lives as God’s omnipresent love extends to every individual through such caring actions.