Responding to devastating floods in southern Thailand caused by days of unrelenting monsoon rains, the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has launched a compassionate appeal for assistance on behalf of female monastics living in the region.
“ . . . Our bhikkhuni community in southern Thailand . . . is now facing severe flooding driven by the extreme and worsening weather patterns affecting the region,” INEB said in a statement share with BDG. “As Southeast Asia continues to confront the harsh realities of climate change, communities such as theirs are left increasingly vulnerable to disasters beyond their control.”
Southern Thailand is facing an escalating crisis, with the governor of the province of Songkhla declaring the region a disaster zone after monsoon rains plunged all 16 districts in the province into a state of crisis—including the major border city of Hat Yai. Satellite imagery shows the impact area has now reached 10 of Thailand’s 14 southern provinces. At least 33 people are reported to have died in seven provinces as a result of the deluge, and hundreds of thousands are affected, with utilities shut down and transport link severed.
INEB highlighted the tenuous situation that the bhikkhunis have been placed as a consequence of the extreme weather, noting, “Bhikkhuni Dhammakamala is a strong and deeply respected leader of the bhikkhuni sangha. For more than a decade, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for women to walk the path of the Buddhadhamma, leading with independence, courage, and unwavering commitment.”
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward social justice, environmental sustainability, and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its work, and encourages members to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals and organizations upon a foundation of shared values and aspirations. The network also advocates the importance of environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in numerous communities.
“[Bhikkhuni Dhammakamala’s] aram provides care for elderly community members, more than 40 abandoned animals, and over 10 resident monastics—most of whom are also elderly. They are now experiencing acute shortages of rice and dried food, and they have no electricity or running water. Transportation in and out of the area has been cut off due to heavy flooding and persistent rainfall,” INEB reported, adding, “Your support at this critical moment is both urgently needed and profoundly appreciated.”
Click here to learn more about INEB’s Emergency Flood Relief for Bhikkhunis.
With water levels remaining critically high and rains continuing unabated, experts have warned that the city of Hat Yai, a major regional economic zone will remain submerged until mid-December, with floodwaters in some areas as high as two meters. Meteorological authorities have forecast of continued rain and flash floods in the region, and residents of low-lying and riverside areas haver been advised to evacuate to higher ground.
According to local media reports, fatalities during the flooding have been attributed to drowning, electrocution, landslides, and being swept away by floodwaters. In addition, many victims were elderly residents trapped in their homes before rescue teams could arrive.
Although monsoon rains are a seasonal phenomenon in Southeast Asia, scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such weather patterns.
INEB was formed in 1989 by the renowned Buddhist scholar and activist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders seeking to apply the Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB works to promote understanding, cooperation, and connection among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address urgent global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental crises.
Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs across the region aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social engagement—such as education and training programs, community development projects, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue.
See more
Emergency Flood Relief for Bhikkhunis (INEB)
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
All Songkhla province declared flood disaster zone (Bangkok Post)
Hat Yai zone submerged ‘for weeks’ (Bangkok Post)
Thai Government Struggles to Manage Devastating Southern Floods (Khaosod English)
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