Hsin Tao, founder of the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society (LJMBS) in northern Taipei County and a Republic of China citizen, was one of the few foreigners allowed to enter Myanmar in recent days.
The country's governing junta has been blocking foreign aid workers and disaster relief teams from entering the country, where nearly 23,000 were dead and 42,000 missing according to official tallies.
Outside observers estimate the death toll could exceed 100,000 people.
Hsin Tao said the situation in Myanmar remained unclear because many roads were damaged and many villages where overwhelmed by floods caused by Cyclone Nargis, and he said he was worried that the death toll would continue to rise because the rainy season is approaching.
"At the moment, helping survivors settle is our priority, followed by the reconstruction of their homeland," Hsin Tao said at a press conference held upon his return to Taiwan after having spent 36 hours in Myanmar.
To gain time and reduce possible deterioration of aid during delivery, Hsin Tao suggested that people donate money instead of goods to charity organizations in Thailand or Malaysia and enable those organizations to purchase goods and materials locally before sending them on to Myanmar. Meanwhile, Hsin Tao's Buddhist society has set up a special unit in Thailand to help manage its relief effort to Myanmar, the master added.
Hsin Tao also founded the Museum of World Religion (MWR) in Yonghe City, Taipei County. Along with his Buddhist Society, the organization aims at promoting peace and love around the globe and co-existence among different faiths.
