USA has recently been hit with several natural disasters, such as flood, wildfires, and tornados. There were around 20 states that were affected by the disasters. Many Tzu Chi volunteers are dedicating their time to deliver aids at disaster areas. For example, Tzu Chi International Medical Association held medical clinics in disaster areas between July 4th~6th to help the residents during this tough time. Picture: Tzu Chi volunteer politely delivers blanket to disaster survivor, sharing the warmth from the east.

Volunteers arrived at Palo City, Iowa on June 29 and saw many soaked furnitures salvaged from the house basements spreading all over the streets, filling the air with musty smell.

Tzu Chi volunteers add more booths to provide better service the residents.

Tzu Chi volunteers feel the pain and suffering of the affected residents, hoping a hug will bring some loving care and warmth.

USA has recently been hit with several natural disasters, such as flood, wildfires, and tornados. There were around 20 states that were affected by the disasters. Many Tzu Chi volunteers are dedicating their time to deliver aids at disaster areas. For example, Tzu Chi International Medical Association held medical clinics in disaster areas between July 4th~6th to help the residents during this tough time. Tzu Chi hopes the warmth and compassion from the east will help the survivors to get through the difficult times and rebuild their homes.

The Midwest had been hit with the worst flooding in last 500 years; over 20 lives have been lost and over 38,000 people were left homeless. In the state of Iowa, 83 of 99 counties were flooded. Northern California was hit with wildfires; Sacramento and City of Paradise lost over 100 homes and the smoke from the wildfires made it difficult for the residents to breath. Moreover, ever since January, over 10 states had tornado landings which resulted in many unfortunate residents losing their homes.

On June 18th, the American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding at the Humanities Center in Taipei.  In the face of the tragedy that hit Midwest, Red Cross and Tzu Chi will discuss what steps to take to provide aid to the affected residents in Iowa.

Tzu Chi began its disaster relief effort in Iowa on June 28th and 29th. Each affected household was given a $ 500 emergency cash card and blankets. A total of 309 households and 881 people received aid. As for the relief effort in Northern California, Tzu Chi volunteers in Northern California began its relief effort from June 10th; affected residents received emergency cash cards ranging from $300 to $500. In Indianapolis, tornadoes swept through the city on May 30th. A total of 57 households received aid from Tzu Chi, consisting of $200 emergency cash card, blankets, and daily necessity kits. Through the material assistance, Tzu Chi hopes the affected resident will feel the love and warmth from people around the USA.

Though Andrew Major was one of the affected residents, he was so touched by Tzu Chi’s efforts, so he donated $20 to show his support to Tzu Chi and hoped his money will go to other needy person in the world. A lady was also touched by Tzu Chi’s, and she said, “It is beyond my imagination that the first to arrive here to help us is a charitable organization from so far away. This is such a wonderful organization!” Tzu Chi volunteers hugged the residents and together, they sang the song “God Bless America” and taught them sign language for the song, in the hopes that someday they would be able to rebuild their lives.

In dealing with these natural disasters, Tzu Chi mobilized over 1,500 volunteers in over 189 locations, asking for donations and compassion to aid disaster survivors to rebuild their lives. In addition, Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, calls upon all to pray sincerely that there will be no more disasters in the world and to minimize consumption and to reduce carbon footprints in order to avoid disasters arising from climate abnormalities.
Tzu Chi volunteers continue to deliver blankets, supplies and medical assistance to the disaster survivors. On July 4th – 6th, Tzu Chi International Medical Association held large-scale medical clinics in disaster areas, hoping to provide medical and spiritual care and to sooth the survivors’ minds, bodies and souls.

Source: Tzu Chi USA website
www.us.tzuchi.org