Date: August 23, 2018
 
UNITED SIKHS LAUNCH HUMANITARIAN AID PROGRAM FOR KERALA FLOOD SURVIVORS
Healthcare for Tribal Areas Most Affected Helps Combat Public Health Threats
 
Click here to read in Panjabi
 
KERALA, INDIA- As waters recede following the worst flood Kerala has experienced in the last century, local officials have issued warnings of public health threats and potential epidemics that may be on the rise. Launching a full-scope ground relief program in response to the disaster, UNITED SIKHS today provided medicine and healthcare check-ups to the tribal areas left barricaded by mudslides after the monsoon.
 
"Our children and elders are most at risk of contracting diseases and deadly health issues, especially if they do not have access to proper vaccines and medicines they require," said Mohinderjit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Disaster Relief Coordinator. "Through our Sikh Aid program, our duty is to ensure we help those in need, even in the most remote and far-reaching corners of the earth. We look forward to working with our dedicated doctors and healthcare providers to assist the local community during this humanitarian crisis."
 
"Leptospirosis, dysentery, malaria and viral flu-like illnesses are very common post-flood," said Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal, Vice President of the Resident Doctors Association at All India Institute of Medical Sciences and UNITED SIKHS Crisis Team Volunteer. "It is imperative that residents maintain hydration and have access to proper nutrition and medical care, especially pregnant women, children and elders. Health screenings and the mobile pharmacy provided by UNITED SIKHS is a great effort to helps combat potential outbreaks and provide vital resources to those most affected by the disaster."
 
Local Families Meet Doctors at UNITED SIKHS Health Care Triage Site
 
    Joined by a team of physicians and healthcare professionals led by Dr. Abhishek Aggarwal, UNITED SIKHS crossed through floodwaters and harsh landscape conditions to provide medicine and health check-ups to more than 100 residents on Wayanad tribal land. To ensure adequate nutrition post-disaster, the organization serves hot meals to local residents daily and continues to donate dry food supplies and other household items, including the following:
  • 20 Bags of Rice, 25KG each
  • 3 Bags of Lentils, 120 KG each
  • 3 Cans of Refined Oil, 45 KG each
  • Onions, 100 KG
  • Tomatoes, 80 KG
  • Potatoes, 50 KG
  • Masala, variety for cooking
  • Medicine (30,000 Rs)
  • Blankets and housewares, such as utensils, napkins, baskets, soap, etc.
 
Sikh Aid Relief Team Purchases Supplies for Community Distribution
 
The state government estimates that nearly 400 people have died and thousands remain stranded across several districts. Farmers and other workers are without income due to the mass devastation of crops and infrastructure. UNITED SIKHS will continue to assess ground conditions to help propose solutions and assistance for long-term repair.
 
    During recovery activity, the organization is urging all residents to follow the guidance issued by the Directorate of Health Services:
  1. People should not return home before it is safe (structure, electrical, cooking gas, etc).
  2. Be aware of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning cases where generators are continuously used. This can be avoided by ensuring proper ventilation, and not placing the generators in closed space.
  3. Remember threats to food and water safety from contamination of supplies and surfaces by flood waters. Maintain hygienic and sanitary precautions until the clean-up is complete.
  4. Ensure electrical safety with the help of electricians before switching on electricity main switches/ household appliances.
  5. Watch out for hidden reptiles - snakes, etc. inside homes/shelves, storage spaces, etc.
  6. Please comply with technical guidance of Health Department officials.
 
Residents Spend Time with UNITED SIKHS Health Care Team
 
Ongoing food distribution is provided at the UNITED SIKHS base camp, located at the Sree Sankara Vidyaniketan School. To donate to Sikh Aid relief efforts, click here. For any health related advice, please call the Health Department NHM 24-hour helpline DISHA at 0471-2552056 or toll free at 1056.
 
 
Issued by:
Navneet Kaur
UNITED SIKHS Director, India
E: sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org

 
 
ABOUT UNITED SIKHS
Associated with the United Nations Dept. of Public Information UNITED SIKHS is a global humanitarian charity that advocates for civil and human rights across 10 chapters. Our International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy helps advance the economic, social and spiritual empowerment of minorities and other marginalized groups and individuals in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social status, age or ability. We achieve this by protecting and enforcing the civil and human rights of minorities and marginalized groups in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Visit us at www.UNITEDSIKHS.org