Hurricane Conditions Wreak Havoc in Scotland

Hurricane conditions wreak havoc in Scotland. Winds reaching as high as 130 miles-per-hour led to the perishing of one person on Friday, February 4 in a travel-related accident. With several vehicles that were overturned by gusts of wind, a school bus carrying 15 children was also blown into a ditch, although no injuries were reported. Trees were toppled and roofs torn from some properties, especially in the hard-hit Western Isles. Meanwhile, rescue crews worked to evacuate people from areas such as a block of flats in Dumfries when the building’s roof was blown off, and approximately 70 personnel were airlifted to safety after the Gryphon Alpha, a floating oil production and storage ship, lost several of its anchors, causing the rig to pitch more wildly. With some 10,000 homes left without electricity due to downed power lines, schools and roads were also temporarily closed as utility crews and other personnel worked around the clock to restore normal function. Expressing her sympathies and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked that our local Association members please check with Scottish officials to find out whether additional help is required and to also go if possible to bring comfort to those most in need. She added that emergency financial assistance is available. Our earnest appreciation, all Scottish rescue and emergency personnel for your timely and dedicated efforts as we thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her unconditional concern. May Heaven protect all in the storm-struck region as our kinder actions help alleviate such extreme conditions as these.�