By Munich, Germany Relief Team (Originally in German)
Heavy rains caused extreme flooding across much of Central Europe in early June 2013, with the greatest damage occurring in the southern and eastern German states, the Czech Republic and Austria. In Germany, eight people lost their lives and tens of thousands were evacuated.
Along the Danube and Elbe Rivers in Bavaria and eastern Germany, the flood waters reached levels higher than those experienced during the Central European floods of 2002, which were described as once in a century type of flooding. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers in Passau, the highest water levels since 1501 where recorded.
A dike burst on the Danube River, completely submerging the Bavarian town of Deggendorf. Water levels rose as high as eight meters, reaching the second floors of many buildings.
To help relieve the devastating situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly provided EUR 10,000 and asked our local Association members to assist those affected by the flooding. Contributing another EUR 8,600, our Association members in Munich formed a relief team and traveled to Deggendorf on June 9 and June 23. Our Munich relief team visited 10 families who did not have insurance for their heavily damaged homes.
All the families welcomed our team members with open arms and some people shed tears as they were deeply touched by Master’s compassion and generosity.
The families were each given EUR 1,000, as well as vegan food, various vegan brochures and information about Master’s teachings. A gardener who lost his business to the flood was given EUR 2,000, and an elderly woman whose husband is confined to a wheelchair was given EUR 3,000. The remaining EUR 4,600 was contributed to three shelters in Berlin assisting those affected by the floods.
Our team expressed deep gratitude Master for Her guidance and support during the relief effort to help the kind families affected by the flooding in Deggendorf.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association
for Flood Relief Work in Deggendorf, Germany
Description | Amount (EUR) | Receipt |
---|---|---|
Cash assistance to the affected families in Deggendorf | 13,000 | A |
Cash assistance to three shelters in Berlin (EUR 2,000 to Artis, EUR 1,300 to Pferdeglück e.V. and EUR 1,300 to Tierschutzgemeinschaft Stellichte e.V.) | 4,600 | B |
Other expenses (vegan snacks and books) | 1,000 | A |
Total | EUR 18,600 (US$24,198) |