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RSSEpiscopal Relief & Development Responds to Indian Cyclone
June 8, 2009
On May 25th a severe cyclone hit the coastal area of West Bengal in India with devastating effects. The storm destroyed thousands of homes, impacting millions of people who lost all of their crops, livestock and possessions. The small agricultural villages of Tajpur and Chandipur were completely destroyed and more than 600 families are now stranded.
The majority of the people impacted are currently seeking temporary shelter at a local school building. Both villages had previously survived primarily on subsistence farming. With the loss of their farm lands and crops, the displaced families are in urgent need of food and supplies.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Diocese of Durgapur to support relief efforts. Emergency funds will provide dry rations (rice, wheat, salt), cooking utensils, 62,500 water pouches and materials for temporary shelter.
“Many lives have been uprooted by the cyclone and recovery will be difficult,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Program Associate, Asia for Episcopal Relief & Development. “We will remain in touch with our partners in the Diocese of Durgapur as they help the people of Tajpur and Chandipur begin to rebuild.”
To support people who have been displaced by this disaster, please make a contribution to Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Disaster Response Fund” by visiting www.er-d.org or calling 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Disaster Response Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
