On the night of July 31, 1996, Typhoon Herb attacked Taiwan, causing the greatest disaster in the past 30 years. It not only did tremendous damage to the land, but also shook the hearts of the people. However, before victims had come out of shock and dried their tears, Tzu Chi members had already entered devastated districts to investigate the damage and to warm the victims with hot soup. Some Tzu Chi people even rolled up their sleeves to help out with reconstruction.

During the whole night that Herb was sweeping Taiwan, Master Cheng Yen did not sleep. She listened to damage reports on the radio. At the same time, Tzu Chi members everywhere were on the alert. They prayed for peace and they prepared themselves to help people where-ever needed.

At four o'clock the next morning, the Master told her disciples to phone all Tzu Chi organizations to see whether they were safe. She also gave instructions that Tzu Chi people should go out to help and care for victims of the typhoon. Immediately, Tzu Chi commissioners all over the island went out to investigate. Relief centers were organised in Taipei, Chiayi, and Shuili to monitor the situation and to co-ordinate relief efforts based on the actual conditions in each area.

On the morning of August 1, the Taipei relief center was informed that the damage in Panchiao, Shihtzu, and Hsichih was very serious. In those places where water and electricity had been cut off, victims craved hot food. The center immediately sent 830 members, including commissioners and Tzu Cheng Faith Corps members, to provide food to the victims. Tzu Chi members bought noodles and vegetables at all major markets. They delivered the food directly to the disaster areas and cooked it for victims of the typhoon. In places where the floods had not yet receded and it was impossible to cook, they delivered bread and other dry food. They of ten had to wade through water or take rubber boats to deliver the food into the hands of the victims. Although it was a hard job, no one ever complained.

After the water receded, Taipei Tzu Chi members worried about the health of the victims. On August 3 and 4, over 1,200 Tzu Chi members worked together with government authorities to clear out 400 truckloads of garbage from Panchiao. In the central and southern parts of Taiwan, Tzu Chi members also delivered hot food to devastated areas. In those places where transportation was completely cut off, Tzu Chi provided relief supplies which army helicopters airdropped to victims. Fifty Tzu Chi volunteers walked, climbed or even crawled to give care and deliver money to victims.

From August 1 to 8, Tzu Chi mobilized more than 3,000 people to help in the relief work. At least 30,000 victims were benefited. Relief materials included rice, salad oil, comforters, noodles, bread, canned vegetables, and cash.

From August 7 to 14, Master Cheng Yen traveled to the most devastated areas to show her care for the victims. After further investigations, Tzu Chi will help victims rebuild their homes.