September 13, 2001

Chinese VersChinese Version

Tzu Chi USA Volunteers' Latest Update on Relief Efforts in New York
(Translated by Conny Deng, Northern California)

9/13 8:30pm EST, Tzu Chi USA Volunteers' latest update:

• On 9/13 around noon time, New York and New Jersey Tzu Chi volunteers, totaling 25 people, entered the greater Manhattan, approximately 25 feet away from the ruins of the World Trade Center. They delivered cold bottle water and simple first aid items to the rescue workers. After Tzu Chi volunteers delivered these items, rescue workers discovered that the building next to them was shaking. As a result, everyone was evacuated immediately. At 5:00pm, all Tzu Chi volunteers returned to a safe location, and left behind 3 vehicles. Tonight's water delivery event has been cancelled.

  Items delivered:
  1. Gloves - 12 dozen
  2. Working gloves - 12 dozen
  3. Batteries - 20 boxes
  4. Hydrogen peroxide - 60 bottles
  5. Sterilizing solution - 72 bottles
  6. Pain relief medicine - 60 bottles
  7. Ice - 360 bags
  8. Water - 1800 bottles
  9. Towels - 120 pieces
  10. Bandages - 10 boxes

• New York and New Jersey volunteers have received entry passes to the disaster area from the Salvation Army, but they still need to be accompanied by Salvation Army.
  
  
• After interactions with the Salvation Army for the past couple of days, Tzu Chi volunteers now know that Red Cross is in charge of relief efforts outside the immediate disaster zone while the Salvation Army is in charge of operations at ground zero. Tzu Chi is fortunate to receive the approval to enter the disaster region.
  
  
• Tzu Chi New York has established a relief assistance team, and will start to support and release funds to those in need.
  
  
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have requested Tzu Chi to help supply body bags. New Jersey Tzu Chi members are waiting for the actual count. Once confirmed, they will purchase as needed.