Sharing Master’s Love with the Quake-Affected in Chile

By Chile Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)

On April 1, 2014 an 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile, affecting the port city of Iquique and surrounding areas. The tremor caused six lives to be lost and approximately 900,000 people to be evacuated. In some areas electricity and water services were interrupted and roads were damaged by landslides.

Deeply concerned for those affected, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately asked our local Association members to render aid, reimbursing them for the US$5,111 in funds used by the relief team, who worked with veterinarian Dr. Luis Seguel and the non-profit group, Organization Rescue and Environmental Conservation (ORCA).

The team arrived at the earthquake zone on April 11, and with vehicles arranged by the ORCA staff, visited the communities of Pozo Almonte, La Tirana, La Huayca, Huara, Lonzana and Pachica, delivering food, daily necessities, and flyers on global warming to approximately 200 families, including members of the Mapuche and Aymara indigenous groups. During the relief effort, Dr. Seguel treated more than 120 animals, such as dogs, cats, a canary, a rabbit, and even a turtle.

The team felt deeply grateful to be Master’s instruments of love to help those in need.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Earthquake Relief Work in Chile

Note: Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, food, and accommodations.