Tzu Chi mobilizes volunteers in Hualien for Typhoon Ragasa recovery

慈濟動員花蓮志工參與樺加沙颱風災後重建

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Approximately 12,000 volunteers have taken part in Tzu Chi Foundation’s cleanup efforts in Hualien’s Guangfu Township following Typhoon Ragasa.

The foundation said it mobilized on Wednesday and began cleanup operations on Thursday, per CNA.

On Saturday, the first day of the Teachers' Day long weekend, over 5,000 people joined. On Sunday, more than 6,000 people showed up. The foundation said that over 5,000 volunteers are expected to come on Monday.

Tzu Chi said it has already set up medical stations, a mobile kitchen, and service centers in key cleanup zones in Guangfu. The foundation’s General Affairs Office coordinated the delivery of more than 10,000 items of relief supplies, cleaning equipment, and other donated goods from partner companies.

The foundation hoped to help disaster victims and communities return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Severe flooding from Ragasa caused the Mataian Creek barrier lake to overflow, leaving 17 dead and seven missing. Other organizations such as Forward Alliance, the Chinese Christian Relief Association, and Dharma Drum Mountain are also organizing volunteers for recovery efforts in Guangfu.

Those interested in volunteering for the Tzu Chi Foundation in Guangfu can register here.