Following Tropical Cyclone Nargis' devastating impact on Myanmar, damages continue to increase and the death toll is estimated to already be greater than 40 thousand. Myanmar Tzu Chi volunteer Shu-Hua Lin has recruited over 100 volunteers from local charity organizations to station at temples in the disaster area to provide relief supplies, medical care, and other goods.

An emergency meeting took place at the Tzu Chi headquarters on May 7, where it was decided that Tzu Chi volunteers and TIMA medical workers from three countries -- Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan -- would join forces with Myanmar Tzu Chi volunteers to reinforce disaster response and aid supply provision efforts. This mission aims not only to continue the first wave of response efforts, but also to gain a more detailed and accurate assessment of disaster conditions, allowing the foundation to assess short-, medium-, and long-term disaster recovery plans.

Myanmar occupies 676,500 square kilometers (264,300 sq mi) in land area, or about 20 times the size of Taiwan. Among the population of 56.5 million, 1.6 million are of Chinese descent and 89% are Buddhist. After the disaster, temples have become temporary homes of refugees, and monks also have calming roles. Beginning on May 5, Lin began to bring together local volunteers and monks to collect supplies for distribution.

In an isolated Myanmar with limited experience in disaster relief, Lin plays an important liaison role. A resident of Yangon, she now lives with no electricity and scarce water, and is lucky to even have a home. With a loving heart, Lin is also a successful entrepreneur. She is overseas Chinese, married into a Taiwanese family, and runs a health food company. Formerly a doctor, she feels a calling to helping others and collaborate with temples in charity service.

In the wake of this enormous natural disaster, Lin has led at the forefront. Tzu Chi Foundation also decided to initially dispatch Tzu Chi volunteers from Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Thailand and Malaysia will send volunteers and TIMA workers, while the Hualien headquarters will send two staff based in Sri Lanka. Volunteers from all four countries will rush to the affected areas in Myanmar.

In terms of aid supplies, Taiwan has prepared 34,016 blankets, 1,361 tents, as well as first aid kits, body bags, kit of relief supplies, instant noodles, rice, etc. to ensure preparedness for continuing stages of disaster recovery.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen, in a somber mood and concerned for the disaster victims, has called upon Tzu Chi members of the world to hold the vegetarian precepts for the disaster victims in Myanmar. "Many disasters of the world are the consequences of people's desire and greed, expanding and accumulating over innumerable years. From global food crises to the endless natural disasters in recent years, we've all been warned that the Earth is harmed. Natural disasters stem from people's hearts," says Master Cheng Yen. The Master wishes that everyone be compassionate, live simple lives, be thankful to each other, love the planet, and reduce damage to the Earth; only then can we stop the onset of continual disasters.

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar early morning on May 3. It lingered for over 10 hours, causing severe injuries and death. Countless houses have been damaged, many roads are blocked, and all coastal plains are flooded. The Irrawaddy Delta, a major rice-producing area, is the hardest-hit region.

According to Myanmar authorities, 22,000 people have died in the cyclone, and an additional 41,000 are missing, their whereabouts unknown. Myanmar authorities have asked for international assistance. The second fleet of Tzu Chi volunteers are about to depart for the disaster area, in hopes of assisting victims through the most difficult of times.