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Another wave of floods sweeps through Poland and Slovakia. While the two nations are still
reeling from major floods just weeks ago in May, renewed rains have set off more massive
flooding starting Thursday, June 3. Officials say at least four people have perished in
Slovakia, where rising waters have prompted the evacuation of thousands in the eastern
regions, some via helicopter. In the town of Nižná Myšľa, approximately 20 homes
and a new road were damaged by a major landslide. Moreover, swollen rivers have inundated crop
fields, roads, houses and other property, with both road and rail traffic disrupted
as well as gas and electricity services. On Saturday, June 5, Prime Minister Robert Fico
approved an aid package of €25 million for the most affected areas in what he called
“the worst flooding in a century.”
Meanwhile, in neighboring Poland, thousands more people fled their homes in the past few
days as flood barriers built just after the May flooding broke due to another overflow
of the Vistula River. The same areas were affected as the floods in May that claimed
20 lives. Landslides also destroyed homes, as people worked to save belongings amidst
warnings of more rain.
When floods had first struck Central Europe in May, Supreme Master Ching Hai, while conveying
her deep condolences and prayers, had donated an initial US$10,000, asking that our Association
members go help the most vulnerable. In accordance with her request, our Association’s relief
team has been rendering aid thus far in Poland to address some of the storm-afflicted persons’
needs.
Our thankfulness, officials and rescue personnel, for your swift assistance. We are also grateful
for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt concern, as well as our Association members
diligent efforts. May Heaven protect the flood-affected residents, as we pray that such extremities
soon subside through humanity’s more considerate stewardship of the ecosphere�