Taiwan
Tzu Chi is constructing residences for victims of the April 3 Hualien earthquake. Construction began on September 14, with land provided by the Hualien County Government. The project, expected to be completed by the end of next year, will feature a U-shaped, five-story building with over a hundred units. Earthquake survivors will be able to live there until they get back on their feet, after which the building will be converted into social housing for underprivileged people.
The 2024 Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) Convention took place from September 15 to 17 at the Jing Si Hall in Hualien, with 327 volunteers from 15 countries and regions participating. Since its establishment 28 years ago, TIMA has organized 18,420 free clinics across 58 countries and regions, totaling over four million patient visits.
Sri Lanka
The Singapore chapter of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association conducted a large-scale free clinic in Sri Lanka from August 23 to 25, providing dental, internal medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine services, as well as optometry and cataract screenings. The clinic saw a total of 4,638 patient visits.
Indonesia
Three hundred households suffered from severe water shortages during the dry season in Nanggulan, Sendangagung, Sleman Regency, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Without access to clean water, residents had to buy water to meet their basic needs. To address this issue, Tzu Chi Indonesia, in partnership with the Indonesian Army, the Yogyakarta government, and the Erajaya Group, drilled a well 45 meters (130 feet) deep to access a clean water source. A 6,000-liter water tank was installed above the well for storage. The well was officially inaugurated on September 18.
Japan
Tzu Chi completed five rounds of cash aid distributions in the quake-stricken zone on the Noto Peninsula by early September, benefiting 15,314 households across seven cities and towns. Volunteers contributed 1,437 shifts to support the effort.
Floods hit quake-affected areas on the Noto Peninsula, triggered by heavy rainfall as Tropical Storm Pulasan weakened into a tropical depression. Tzu Chi launched relief efforts in response, including cash-for-work cleanup and assistance with agricultural harvesting from September 21 to October.
Myanmar
Typhoon Yagi weakened into a tropical depression, causing heavy rainfall and flooding in eastern and central Myanmar in September. Over 400 people lost their lives. After assessing damage in Tatkon Township, Naypyidaw Union Territory, Tzu Chi volunteers initiated cash-for-work cleanup efforts and distributed cash aid and relief supply packages in October.
Vietnam
Tzu Chi volunteers conducted disaster assessments in northern Vietnam after torrential rain brought by Typhoon Yagi in September. They are planning to distribute cash aid to more than 2,000 households in Lào Cai and Yên Bái provinces.
Thailand
Typhoon Yagi triggered downpours that severely impacted Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. In October, Tzu Chi distributed cash aid to 918 households in Chiang Rai, including 139 households in Mueang Chiang Rai and 779 households in Mae Sai. A second round of distributions is scheduled for mid-November. Assessments are also underway to rebuild homes for vulnerable households affected by the disaster in Mae Salong.
Lesotho
Lesotho has faced a severe drought for the past two years, leading to a food security crisis. Since January alone, Tzu Chi’s rice distributions have benefited 7,200 people. In August, distributions reached 1,485 households in Machage and Raliopelo. A total of 300 metric tons (330 short tons) of Taiwanese rice is expected to be distributed this year.
The United States
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 27, sweeping across the southeastern United States. Hurricane Milton followed less than two weeks later, causing further devastation. Volunteers evaluated the extent of damage in Tampa, Florida, as well as in Asheville, North Carolina, and plan to distribute aid in November.
Chile
In February, wildfires in central and southern Chile damaged over 10,000 homes. The government deemed the fires the country’s worst disaster since a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in February 2010. Tzu Chi volunteers conducted disaster assessments and partnered with a supermarket to provide shopping vouchers for those affected. Three distribution events were held on September 28 and 29, assisting 2,695 people.
Mozambique
A vocational training center was inaugurated on August 14 in the Metuchira Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Nhamatanda District, Sofala Province, a housing community built by Tzu Chi for survivors of Cyclone Idai. The center offers classes in sewing and knitting, with plans for additional classes in computer skills and agricultural techniques.
Tzu Chi’s first slow sand filter facility outside of Taiwan was inaugurated on August 13 in the Kura Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Nhamatanda District, providing clean water to the village’s residents. The facility was created in partnership with the Taiwan Water Corporation.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Hurricane Beryl ravaged the Caribbean island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in early July. Ninety percent of homes on Union Island—one of the hardest-hit areas—sustained severe damage. In September, Tzu Chi volunteers from Saint Martin provided cross-border assistance, supporting 1,040 households with food and essential supplies totaling 32 kilograms (70 pounds) per family.
Guatemala
Tzu Chi has been providing long-term support to residents of Chuarrancho, where 90 percent of the population are impoverished farmers. On August 18, volunteers conducted a winter aid distribution in collaboration with the municipal government, supplying items including rice and noodles to 459 families.
