Tropical Cyclone Fani has hit Eastern India with full force. It is one of the strongest tropical cyclones in the last 20 years and is equivalent to a category 4 hurricane. Fani has left several people dead and the sheer strength of the storm has left the region in turmoil. Without proper protection, people are in danger to be harmed by fallen trees and debris.
Tropical Cyclone Fani has left the East Indian state of Odisha in complete distress, putting over 28 million people in harm, including 10 million children. With a population already beleaguered by poverty, the region now prepares for massive storm and catastrophic flooding.
Powerful winds at 240 kilometers per hour (150 miles per hour) have devastated the town of Puri. The cyclone has already caused massive damage including the downing of homes, trees and power lines. As the death count rises and the state remains with limited power, the people rely solely on aid and help from rescue teams. Although people have been evacuated, the intense wind and rain will leave an imprint on the town of Puri for many years to come.
A view of the destruction caused by Cyclone Fani after its landfall, in Puri, on Friday, May 3, 2019. – PTI
Over 6,000 schools and 1,000 health facilities have been damaged and people have been forced to seek safety in shelters. Fortunately, over 1 million people were evacuated prior to the massive hit of Cyclone Fani, according to Odisha’s chief minister. According to the predictions of weather forecasters about 10,000 villages and 52 towns in nine districts within the state were in the storm’s path. The evacuation plan saved many lives; in addition eleven districts along the Odisha coast were placed on red alert while approximately 900 cyclone shelters were set to provide shelter.
UNITED SIKHS planning aid and preparing langar(food) to serve to the cyclone victims in Odisha
UNITED SIKHS has been able to offer emergency aid and assistance to the people of Puri during this disaster. Over a dozen volunteers are serving and distributing langar. UNITED SIKHS has set up a base at a local gurdwara in Puri to aid the region throughout this storm. While people are still displaced from their homes, we are able to cook and provide langar and help care for the elderly and children.
UNITED SIKHS has been able to provide aid to thousands of victims of over 30 natural disasters worldwide since 1999. In addition to providing langar and emergency relief supplies, we hope to provide medical camps to assist those in need.
This is all possible with your support. It is with your support that allows us to provide aid to those in need during these natural disasters. We are eternally grateful to all of our supporters, donors, members and volunteers.
To directly assist in Cyclone Fani Relief – Donatehere.
