DDM Compassionate Assistance to Victims of Typhoon Krosa
Typhoon Krosa caused heartbreaking disasters when it passed through Taiwan on 6 and 7 October 2007.
Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) quickly activated its emergency relief infrastructure and Dharma Drum Social Welfare and Charity Foundation mobilized its troupe of volunteers to monitor the level of impact the typhoon had on the island. The volunteers decided upon the necessary course of action to offer assistance, care and relief to the community on the island despite dangers of the typhoon.
On the night of 6th, in the Shihlin district of Taipei, Mr. Chiou and his son were buried alive when their residence was completely swallowed by the mudslide caused by torrential rain. After hearing this heartbreaking news, the convener of DDM emergency relief in Shihlin district, Mrs Wenya Liao arrived at the hospital with volunteers to provide care and emotional support to the families of the deceased and to pray for the departed by chanting Buddhist Sutras.
The Vice Secretary-General of the Foundation, Mr Wenlei Chen, went to the hospital to offer condolences on behalf of DDM monastic community and its membership. The following day, the Secretary-General, Mr Guokai Chen, also visited the hospital to offer his personal message of condolence to the families of the deceased and the injured.
In Hsinchu, DDM volunteers prepared relief supplies in anticipation of the needs of the residents in the Jianshih district where access to roads were cut by mudslide and fallen rocks caused by the rain.
In downtown Hsinchu, seventy-nine years old Chou Jinfu lost his life falling down a ladder while checking a leaking roof. Mr Shihbin Hong, the convener of emergency relief in Hsinchu, arrived at the hospital with other volunteers to give their condolences, and to lead a chanting session to pray for a safe passage to the Western Pureland.
In Ilan, Mr Chuntsai Lin and Mrs Xiannu Lin Chen, both died of asphyxiation from inappropriate use of diesel inside the home following a blackout caused by the typhoon. A 78-year-old man was drowned in the Peigung Creek. DDM volunteers went quickly to the respective homes to offer assistance and care. They demonstrated an admirable attitude in helping the distressed families through a spirit of compassion as expounded by Venerable Master Sheng Yen.
Emulating the great compassion of the bodhisattva, DDM Social Welfare and Charity Foundation had offered a message of comfort to the victims and offered spiritual and monetary assistance to people living in the disaster areas to help the affected members of the community rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.
The Abbot President, Venerable Guo Dong, expressed his gratitude to the work of the volunteers and the leadership of the Foundation and regional groups in discharging this compassionate act in the name of Dharma Drum Mountain.
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
