Love and Support for Families Affected by Avalanches in Afghanistan

By Afghanistan Relief Team (Originally in Dari)

Three days of extremely heavy snowfall in Afghanistan, with almost 10 feet in some areas, triggered large-scale avalanches that claimed 54 lives in the mountainous regions of the country in early February 2017. The worst hit area was Badakhshan Province, where 18 people lost their lives. More than 1,000 hectares of farmland and 168 houses were destroyed. In addition, many parts of the country experienced interruptions in transportation, power and other supplies.

Deeply concerned about the affected people, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately provided US$13,000, and instructed our local Association members to render relief. Our Afghanistan Association members traveled to Maimay District in Badakhshan Province, where we learned that warm clothes and food were the most needed items.

Since the village was not easily accessible by vehicles, we prepared coupon packages in mid-February, which enabled the families in need to pick up supplies, including coats, sweaters, socks, blankets, rice, wheat flour and vegetable oil, from the closest market.

We are very grateful to have been able to help 33 of the most vulnerable families in Maimay District. We pray that extreme weather events such as these lessen as more people choose the planet-and human-protecting vegan lifestyle.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai for Avalanche Relief Work in Afghanistan