On July 29, a group led by abbot Shi Yongxin of Shaolin Temple successively visited sub-temples including Donglin Temple in Xingyang, Chaohua Temple in Xinmi and Shuiyu Temple in Dengfeng to inspect the flood water situation and guide disaster rehabilitation work.

A group led by master Shi Yongxin inspects the situation of the disaster in Donglin Temple in Xingyang

Master Yanruo, abbot of Dongli Temple, reported master the damage of Donglin Temple in floods to Shi Yongxin. Recently continued heavy rain hit many places in Henan province and Donglin Temple was badly damaged in floods. Though the temple actively firmed up its measures for flood prevention that the crew in the temple were evacuated to safety, the buildings of the temple were badly damaged. Most of the green belt and paths were ruined, walls of halls collapsed and water got in and so on, suffering great losses.

A group led by master Shi Yongxin inspects the situation of the disaster in Donglin Temple in Xingyang

Master Shi Yongxin inspected the disaster situations and encouraged the crew of Donglin Temple to be of one heart and one mind making great efforts to save themselves, and fought a spirited rearguard action to limit the damage. He also mentioned it was difficult to construct an ancient temple and called on people from all walks of life to make donations to rebuild damaged halls, paths, facilities and the like of Donglin Temple.

A group led by master Shi Yongxin inspects the situation of the disaster in Chaohua Temple in Xinmi

According to abbot Yansong, Chaohua Temple also suffered from unusual heavy rain and floods. The whole landslide of Chaohua village happened with five places of the temple damaged. Accompanied by master Yansong, master Shi Yongxin carefully inspected every attacked location and asked the crew of Chaohua Temple to actively organize production and save themselves to ensure security of life and property, and restored daily life of practice as soon as possible. To damage of Chaohua Temple, Shi Yongxin also expressed that he would actively report to the high level, and soon restore religious activities by the support of the government and making donations.

A group led by master Shi Yongxin inspects the situation of the disaster in Shuiyu Temple in Dengfeng

Accompanied by master Yankai, master Shi Yongxin inspected the situation of the disaster in Shuiyu Temple, and knew about its fundamental state and self-saving condition in detail. He encouraged the sangha to stage altogether to overcome difficulties, strive to save themselves and minimize the damage. He also asked the crew to strengthen guard consciousness and increase ability of emergency management to ensure security of religious believers.

A group led by master Shi Yongxin inspects the situation of the disaster in Shuiyu Temple in Dengfeng

Master Yankai guided the crew of Shuiyu Temple actively conducted the rainfall drainage after the disaster. So far the drainage in the temple has been completed and there are still some paths and buildings are damaged meanwhile water and electricity and fire control in the temple have return to normal. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from Donglin Temple in Xingyang, Chaohua Temple in Xinmi and Shuiyu Temple in Dengfeng)