Sikh Aid Gears Up for San Diego Fire Relief

One Sikh and three other South Asian homes have been burnt down,
over 50 Sikh families and the Sikh Gurdwara at Poway were evacuated
and the Sikh holy scriptures taken to a safe place

San Diego, California – UNITED SIKHS geared up its relief efforts yesterday by deploying volunteers of its Sikh Aid team to assess the needs in the evacuated areas since the fast moving fires started in South California last weekend.

“FEMA is in the process of setting up their command centers and we have contacted their California representative, John Chavez, to offer assistance in the relief operations,” said Kuldip Singh, UNITED SIKHS director.

“We urge volunteers to register with us to help in the rehabilitation efforts. We also seek donations to help us execute the rehabilitation program,” Kuldip Singh added.

If you wish to donate please go to www.unitedsikhs.org/donate . If you wish to volunteer please email volunteer@unitedsikhs.org.

UNITED SIKHS is coordinating with FEMA officials, NYDIS, the Red Cross and other agencies to assess requirements.

Mark Cooley, the Red Cross in-charge of shelter homes said that over 900 evacuees in shelter homes need the following urgently:

1. 1000 Cots
2. 10,000 – Masks
3. Water Supply
4. Trash Bags
5. Medical Supplies
6. Doctors for evacuees
7. Veterinary doctors for pets
8. School Teachers for kids in shelter home
9. Trauma Counselors

More than a quarter-million people were urged to flee their homes across Southern California on Monday as wildfires blown by fierce desert winds raced over the landscape with terrifying speed.

In San Diego County, 500 homes and 100 businesses have already been destroyed by fire. More than a dozen wildfires have hit Southern California, killing at least one person, injuring dozens more and threatening scores of structures

The Sikh Aid team with Evacuees at a Shelter Home

"We have more houses burning than we have people and engine companies to fight them," San Diego Fire Captain Lisa Blake said. "A lot of people are going to lose their homes."

Wildfires continue to rage across south California while fire fighters continue to control the fire. Four fire-fighters are reported injured Sunday battling the Harris Fire. Over 1000 homes have been destroyed in several cities around San Diego by Rice Fire ( Hwy 15 and 79), San Marcos (Hwy 76 and 78), Palomar Fire (Hwy 79), Wilo Animal Park, Witch Fire, Descanso Fire, Harris Ranch Fire

The Sikh Aid team lead by Kuldip Singh, Shivesh Sudhanshu and Jyoti Mohapatra visited Mira Mesa High School, which has been turned into an evacuation center on the Mira Mesa Blvd.

Guljar Singh's house, Del Mar, turned into a Shelter home for 9 Families

LueAnn, Grosdidier, 51 resident of Rancho Bernado shared her tragic experience of evacuation on Monday morning with her husband Bob, 55 and 2 pets: “Police came and asked for a mandatory evacuation.

“We took 2 bags, a laptop, camera, a pillow and some medications and drove to Mira Mesa. We saw black ash and damaged property on our way. Our Lawn furniture and Trees were damaged by heavy winds. We appreciate how people are coming together serving and loving each other” she said.

The Sikh Gurdwara, at 12269 Oak Knoll Rd, Poway, was evacuated Monday morning. We learnt from the Gurdwara Secretary, Gurinder Singh, that five swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Scriptures) were safely taken to the residence of Hirdyapal Singh, Carmel Valley, CA.

One Sikh family and 3 other South Asian families have lost their home in Rancho Bernado and over 50 Sikh families are reported evacuated from Poway, Rancho Barnado, 4S Ranch, Saber Springs, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Panasquitos, Carmel Valley, Escondido, Olivenhein, Rancho Santa Fee, Encinitas, Chula Vista, East Lake, Ramona.

Jagjit Singh, resident of Poway

The Sikh Aid team met over 9 evacuated families in Del Mar at the residence of Guljar Singh, Chairman of Gurudwara Sahib San Diego, CA.

Jagjit Singh Dhesi, 56, resident of Poway, San Diego since 1974, President of Gurudwara San Diego, explained his evacuation in the middle of the night with his wife, son and parents: “Eight houses in Bridle Wood country estates were burnt when we left. I don’t know yet what has happened to our house. The Fire started from Witch Creek in east and moved to Ramona. High winds gutted the residential area” Mr. Jagjit Singh Dhesi added.

Dr. Harjot Singh Gill and Dr Jasbir Singh Deol, who both run Animal Hospitals, had to pack their bags and leave their homes. “We had 5 families at our place one night. In the morning there was a mandatory evacuation in our area and we had to move out with our guests to Del Mar” said Dr. Gill.

The following residents’ homes have been turned into shelter homes since Sunday night:

Dr. Harjot Singh Gill with the Sikh Aid team

Guljar Singh, Del Mar, CA – 9 Families
Kulbir Singh, Carmel valley, CA - 4 Families
Harinder Singh, Carlsbad, CA – 6 Families
Hirdaypal Singh, Carmel Valley, - 4 Families

We also talked to other evacuees in Del Mar.
Paramjit Singh, 51, San Diego, evacuated with wife.
Malkit Singh Rai, evacualed from Rancho Barnado with wife and kid.
Jaswinder Singh, 42, evacuated with wife and 2 kids from 4S Ranch
Lakhvinder Singh, evacuated from Scripps Ranch.

“We appeal to UNITED SIKHS and the Sikh community for relief efforts in the area. We need Trauma Counseling, help with evacuation and resettlement. We have not assessed the damages yet and its hard to say what is needed. More people are affected than the 2003 wildfire in the area” said Jagjit Singh Dhesi.

To read a previous press release on our Sikh Aid relief work see https://www.unitedsikhs.org/floridatornado

Issued By:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
Phone: 1-888-243-1690, 404 5508356

Our Mission

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.