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Weekend rains inundate western US states of Oregon and Washington. Floodwaters washed
away roads, leaving people stranded by rising waters, and two people succumbed in storm-related
incidents. One was a worker for the Washington State Department of Transportation who perished
when he was struck by a falling tree on Sunday, January 16 as he was setting up highway signs
to warn motorists of downed power lines. Elsewhere in Soap Lake, two people were injured as landslides
forced closure of three southwest Washington highways and fire crews in Randle, Washington
went door-to-door to alert residents of the possible need for evacuation.
Meanwhile, crews in Oregon state asked people in low-lying areas to leave their homes after
rivers and streams already full due to melting snow breached their banks and flooded roadways.
In northern areas near the state’s Mount Hood, the obstruction of roads left residents
without electricity or telephone service. Supreme Master Ching Hai asked that our nearby
Association members please check with local officials to see if any help is required,
and to also go if possible to help the most vulnerable. Expressing her sympathy and prayers,
she said that emergency funds are available.
Our appreciation for the swift efforts of all emergency personnel, and for Supreme Master
Ching Hai’s heartfelt concern. Wishing the residents of Oregon and Washington states
a rapid return to their regular daily lives as our kinder regard for the environment helps
such distressing conditions subside.�