The world of Tzu Chi Apr-Jun 2023 (Vol.146)

TZU CHI 146 29 M ore than two months after the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, related news had soon vanished from the media, and the world seems to have forgotten about it. Yet, Tzu Chi volunteers have not slowed down their relief efforts or stopped caring. To date, in Türkiye, more than 38,000 affected families have been assisted. The distribution of supplies included blankets, scarves, and gift cards which, the affected population can use to purchase essential items from the local supermarket chain stores. In late April, we continue to care for the refugees who have sought shelter in Istanbul. The scenes I witnessed when the relief team went into the disaster-stricken areas brought back memories of 1999. On that frightful night of August 17, Türkiye was struck by a formidable earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, and many international rescue teams rushed in to help. Startled from sleep, my wife and I spent three days amidst the mountains and by the sea. Upon returning home, I wrote an article to the United Daily News titled, “Where Is Taiwan When Türkiye Needs Help?” However, unknown to me, Tzu Chi had already dispatched a four-person team, including Hsieh Ching-kuei and Chen Chu-Chi to Türkiye within 36 hours of the earthquake. Having just concluded their humanitarian efforts for refugees in Kosovo, they received instructions from Tzu Chi headquarters to go to Türkiye for disaster assessment and relief distribution instead of returning to Taiwan as planned. This facilitated the distribution of 6,000 blankets and 3,000 waterproof mattresses. I met up with them on the 24th and joined in the relief operations. A month later, Taiwan was ravaged by the catastrophic 921 earthquake. Despite their eagerness to return home to help, Tzu Chi headquarters instructed them to remain steadfast in their positions and fulfil their duties. They continued to honour their commitment to the affected residents. When a prominent Turkish newspaper learned of the news, they reported with headlines below, “Heavy hearts long for Taiwan but their bodies persevere for Türkiye: This is true humanitarian relief” and “Taiwanese volunteers carry on their relief efforts despite