Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Tzu Chi Foundation has been providing hot food, relief goods and cash cards to families in southern Taiwan affected by severe flooding. As of August 26, their aid included 23,268 meals distributed: 1,258 sets of condolence gifts: 269 packs of daily necessities: and 171 blankets.

On August 23, a tropical depression brought very heavy rain in a short period of time and caused severe flooding in Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The following day, Tzu Chi volunteers and a medical team of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital began the relief work by cooking and distributing meals, home visits, and providing medical services.

With the assistances of the military, the volunteers entered the flooded areas to give out the goods and lunch boxes to the affected families. In some areas, volunteers needed to use lifeboats to deliver the items.

During the home visits, the volunteers distributed a Charity Card; the amount is calculated according to the number of people in the household and the extent of the damage. Recipients can purchase the goods they wish, except alcohol and tobacco, at designated supermarkets.

On August 25 and 26, the volunteers visited flooded homes in Chiayi County. Ms Wu shared with them her experience when water overwhelmed her house. “The water came from all the drains in the kitchen and washroom. I was frightened. All I could do was to scoop out the water and try to keep the water level low.” Some furniture was broken; otherwise, she considers herself lucky that her house is fine and undamaged.

The volunteers presented and read out a letter from Dharma Master Cheng Yen. It expressed her concern and blessings. The volunteers encouraged Ms Wu to face this difficult period of time. They also prepared a set of condolence gifts; it contained instant noodles, instant rice, mixed-grain powder and other items.

On a street in Budai township, a lady was very happy to see the volunteers. “I received Tzu Chi lunchboxes,” she said. “I am very touched. There were two to three days when we didn’t have food to eat. We received the meal boxes from Tzu Chi. I am overwhelmed.”

Another resident walked over with two bags of empty lunch boxes. “I want to make a donation to help others. I am grateful for what Tzu Chi volunteers have down. You gave us hot food to eat (during the floods).” The lady handed over a red envelope and wished to make a donation.

However, according to the weather bureau, another tropical depression is about to affect Taiwan. Master Cheng Yen is asking people to stay on high alert, and pray sincerely.



Here is a list of the items provided to the flood victims in Chiayi, Tainan and Kaohsiung between August 24 and 26, following the tropical depression of August 23:
23,268 servings of meals;
68 multipurpose folding beds;
171 blankets;
269 packs of daily necessities;
1,258 sets of condolence gifts;
Relief fund given to 28 families, totaling NT$65,000;
15 charity cards;
A total of 2,905 Tzu Chi volunteers mobilized.