Tag: Natural Disaster

State of Catastrophe Declared in Chile After Massive 8.8-Magnitude Quake

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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,587565,00.html

Chile’s president declared a state of catastrophe in the aftermath of a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake Saturday that left bodies, crumbled buildings and outages in its wake.

Chile’s interior minister says at least 214 people had been found dead as of Saturday afternoon, and the pre-dawn quake, the most powerful quake to hit the country in a half century, also cut electricity, water and phone lines to many outlying areas, meaning there was no immediate word of death or damage there.

The quake also unleashed a tsunami across the ocean, putting much of the Pacific Rim on alert for potentially devastating waves.

We may be thousands of miles apart from those who perished or are hurt in earthquake, but let us take a minute out of our busy life and keep them in mind.

May those who can offer them help, offer them open-handedly.

May those in need of food, drink and shelter, receive them.

May those who need some to comfort, receive comfort and solace.

May all beings be well and happy.

Sabbe sattā sukhi hontu

Earthquake in Haiti

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Earthquake in Haiti

Tuesday afternoon, January 12th, the worst earthquake in 200 years – 7.0 in magnitude – struck less than ten miles from the Caribbean city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The initial quake was later followed by twelve aftershocks greater than magnitude 5.0. Structures of all kinds were damaged or collapsed, from shantytown homes to national landmarks. It is still very early in the recovery effort, but millions are likely displaced, and thousands are feared dead as rescue teams from all over the world are now descending on Haiti to help where they are able. As this is a developing subject, I will be adding photos to this entry over the next few days, but at the moment, here is a collection of photos from Haiti over the past 24 hours. (48 photos total)

Let’s send metta, food, aid and support for our friends in Haiti!

May they be guided and protected by the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha!

A Moment of Sadness, a Moment of Silence

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Dear friends,

Let us take a moment to remember those who suffered and perish in the recent spate of disasters.

Earthquake in Samoa, Indonesia, and Typhoon in Manila, Indonesia.

May they receive help swiftly and find peace and comfort where ever they are. May those who perished have good conditions to be reborn in the human realms where they can learn and practise the Buddha-Dharma and in due time attain Final Liberation, Nibbana.

With so much suffering around already, may the rest of the world find peace in their mind and lay their arms to rest. May they not incur any more suffering onto others through mindless wars.

Myanmar Disaster

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080507/ts_nm/myanmar_cyclone_dc

As is already in the news … disaster struck Myanmar recently. Let us offer our prayers and kind thoughts to them.

At the same time, if we can, offer them practical help through some of the organisations who are able to reach the disaster areas.

http://www.fireflymission.org/cyclone_00.html
http://www.redcross.org.sg/myanmar_cyclone_src.htm

May all sentient beings be free from thoughts of harm,
May all sentient beings be free from danger and harm,
May all sentient beings abide in loving kindness and compassion,
May all sentient beings be Well and Happy!