Cyclone Nargis caused massive destruction, a huge death toll and casualties in Myanmar. Tzu Chi Headquarters in Hualien decided to send a nine-member front-line survey team, comprising of volunteers and staff from Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. They would meet up with the local Tzu Chi volunteer before proceeding to the front-line.  On 10 May, the survey team left for Myanmar from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.【Photograph by Lim Yen Kuan】

An emergency meeting was held at the Headquarters of Tzu Chi Foundation on 7 May. A decision was made to send volunteers from nearby countries as the front-line survey team to the hard-hit area in Myanmar. They would meet up with the local Tzu Chi volunteer before proceeding to the front-line.

Two representatives from Tzu Chi Headquarters, who had just completed their Sri Lankan tsunami relief mission, met up with a volunteer from Thailand and six others from Malaysia. Together, the 9-member team departed on 10 May. They will be responsible for providing timely information to Tzu Chi Headquarters.   

Video conferencing with Headquarters

A day before departure, eight of the team members had a video conferencing with Master Cheng Yen, resident nuns of Jing Si Abode, three Vice-Presidents of Tzu Chi Foundation, representatives of Tzu Chi International Humanitarian Aid Association (TIHAA) and staff from Hualien Headquarters. Others who joined the meeting were David Liu (CEO of Melaka and Singapore Branch), Echo Chien (CEO of Kuala Lumpur Branch) and Kuoi Chew Beng (CEO of Penang Branch). 

The initial understanding is that this team will gather information for Hualien Headquarters for evaluation. They also have the responsibility of establishing a channel with the local agency for further relief work. The front-line survey team brought along two sets of satellite communication VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system for timely reporting.

Master Cheng Yen reminded the team members that they must try to help the survivors wherever their eyes can see, and their legs and hands can reach. We must be very humble as we are the ones who want to go and help without being asked.     

Master also requested all members to take good care of their own safety. The savers must be safe in order to help others. They should also show the spirit of unity, harmony, mutual love and cooperation while there.  

Careful evaluation before action

This pioneer team is expected to stay till 16 May to study the actual condition of the disaster, establish a channel for further relief and transmit their reports on the latest situation of the disaster area. Only after careful evaluation, would the second wave of relief work be determined.   

There were reports that typhoid fever, malaria, cholera and dengue fever had broken out in the disaster area. Hence, the team had prepared gastro-intestinal medication, water purification tablets, mosquito repellents and Quinine pills as preventative measures against such diseases.

Lee Mun Keat, who had been a member of the front-line survey team to Sri Lanka after the tsunami, said it is important to ensure our own safety before we can help others. This time, the situation could be more challenging and accurate assessment for the needs of the victims is essential. 

A team departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 10:45 am on 10 May. Before departure, the team took leave from Master Cheng Yen again via a mobile phone. They promised Master to ensure their own safety during the trip.
 
At the airport, Tzu Chi's team met the Malaysian Red Crescent's relief team who were also going to the same destination. It is hoped that the team will successfully deliver our love and care to those who are suffering.
 
Note: Tzu Chi's front-line survey team arrived safely in Myanmar at 1:45 pm (Malaysian time), on 10 May.