Taiwanese Buddhist groups send earthquake disaster relief to Myanmar

Taipei, April 7 (CNA) Two Taiwan-based Buddhist charity organizations announced on Monday that they have separately delivered supplies to Myanmar in the wake of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the country in late March.

The Fo Guang Shan Monastery said in a news release that its relief team, which included members from the Fo Guang Shan (Malaysia) Rescue Team and Yayasan Sin Chew, arrived in Mandalay on Friday with 3.3 tons of emergency supplies.

Master Hsin Bao, the head of the monastery, led the group that delivered food, excavation tools and medical kits to heavily affected areas, according to the group's statement.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement released Monday, the Tzu Chi Foundation said it sent 80 beds, 690 blankets and other relief materials to Myanmar.

Chen Ching-hua (陳慶華), a Tzu Chi volunteer, confirmed that the materials and food items, including rice and noodles, were shipped via air.

The 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the southeast Asian country on March 28 has killed at least 3,400 people, left 214 missing, and injured more than 4,600, according to the Myanmar government.

Both the Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Tzu Chi Foundation have pledged to continue their support efforts.

The Myanmar authorities have granted permission for international aid shipments, and relief efforts are expected to continue through Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.