43 countries unite to assist Taiwan in its recovery from Morakot &

Preventive measures are essential to control the spread of swine flu

Tzu Chi volunteers from a total of five continents and 43 countries come together to help Taiwan recover from the effects of Typhoon Morakot.  The assistance comes from countries with different religious, social, cultural or economic background, even those that are far away from Taiwan like St. Martin and countries affected by the 2004 tsunami.  Regardless of differences, these people share one hope – that the families affected by Typhoon Morakot can recover soon. 

Due to the lack of clean water and electricity, the recent outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) raises public health concern.  To control the outbreak and prevent it from becoming an epidemic, the Executive Director of Tzu Chi Medical Mission, Lin Jun Long, urges the survivors and rescue workers to be cautious when wounded.  It is crucial to make sure that the wound is properly disinfected to avoid infection or further development of life-threatening conditions such as cellulitis that may lead to amputation or septis.  He proposes essential preventive measures such as washing hands, wearing masks, and ensuring the purity of drinking water.

On August 24^th, there is a confirmed case of a rescue worker from the military infected by the swine flu.  The Central Epidemics Command Center mandates that every rescue worker and volunteer wears a mask when working in the disaster areas.  In the face of the new virus, it is critical that everyone takes protective and preventive measures seriously.  To safeguard public health, Tzu Chi’s medical team will continue to set up temporary clinics to disseminate medical information and care for the sick and wounded.   

Along with Taiwan, the Philippines’ Luzon island was also greatly affected by Typhoon Morakot.  Thus far, there are 23 deaths, 18 wounded, and 18,000 families affected.  Immediately following the typhoon, Tzu Chi volunteers in the Philippines arrived at the disaster areas to distribute relief goods such as rice, blankets, daily goods, emergency cash, and a letter containing the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation, Master Cheng Yen’s blessings to approximately 1,000 affected households in the disaster areas. 

(photos were taken between 8/19 and 8/24 by the volunteers of Tzu Chi Foundation)

Photo captions:

Photo 1: Volunteers line up and travel to Linbian Town, Pingtung County, to continue the cleanup work on a daily basis.

Photo 2: Liouguey Bridge in Kaoshiung County, after Typhoon Morakot hit Taiwan.

Photo 3: Volunteer travel to remote areas in Chuchi area, Chiayi County, to conduct home visits and deliver aid.

Photo 4: Doctors and volunteers of Tzu Chi International Medical Association continue to provide medical care during home visits.

Photo 5: Volunteers comfort and care for the deceased's family in Shaolin Village, Kaoshiung County, during one of the weekly memorial services.

Photo 6: Volunteers go on the streets to fundraise for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in Northern California. 

Photo 7: Volunteers go on the streets to fundraise for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Photo 8: Volunteers travel to a Burmese refugee camp in Malaysia as part of their regular visits to deliver their care; people at the Burmese refugee camp donate money to assist the victims of Typhoon Morakot.

Photo 9: Volunteers go on the streets to fundraise for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in Bolivia (in South America).

Photo 10:  Volunteers go on the streets to fundraise for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in St. Martin, an island in the Caribbean. 

For more information in Taiwan, please contact Grace Chen at 0970-333-735.  For more information in the USA, please contact (909)447-7799 or visit www.us.tzuchi.org

Donation Information – Taiwan

Institution: Taiwan Post

Account name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation designated relief account

Account number: 06692433

Donation Information – Global

For information on online donation or donation in the USA, please visit www.us.tzuchi.org.  Your donations are tax deductible in the USA.