Hurricane Sandy, spanning 900 miles, slammed into southern New Jersey at about 8 p.m. local time and brought a record storm surge of 13.88 feet (4.2 meters) into ManhattanÕs Battery Park. Flooding, high winds and fallen trees cut power to about 8 million people all the way from South Carolina to Maine, and travelers were stranded as U.S. airlines grounded more than 16,000 flights. U.S. stock trading closed in the first back-to-back shutdown for weather since 1888.
According to the AP, over 50 deaths have been attributed to the storm while thousands have been rendered homeless. The economic toll is expected to reach over $20 billion making Sandy one of the most expensive and deadliest storms.
After direct engagement with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and over 51 organizations, UNITED SIKHS has initiated an urgent call for warm clothing, blankets, diapers, baby formula, hygiene supplies and cleaning supplies. Families desperately seek warmth from the bitter onset of winter and supplies from which they may provide nourishment to their children.
Due to the closure of markets and stores there is also a pressing need for fresh and hot meals as well as water. The First Response Team from UNITED SIKHS is in direct contact with shelters in New York and New Jersey to assess needs and with Gurdwaras to facilitate the preparation of the hot meals. We are in direct coordination with the Red Cross to ensure that we are updated on the evolving ground realities.
We urgently need volunteers to administer the distribution of supplies and meals and the preparation of the hot meals.
Answer this clarion call for supplies and volunteer your time and efforts so we may make a substantive difference in this time of dire need and provide safety and security for those who have lost so much.
Donate what you can, so emergency supplies and material can be purchased locally saving time and resources. We must not hesitate, we must not falter, we must respond!