Uttarakhand Relief work

Uttarakhand  since June 2013

For the entire nation, what happened to Uttarakhand in June 2013 will go down in history as one of the worst calamities ever faced, some even comparing the devastation to the 2004 Tsunami.

The disturbing images of collapsing bridges and buildings; of people and homes being washed away by the torrential waters and of lakhs of innocent pilgrims & tourists stranded at various locations – all are a constant hard hitting reminder that when nature strikes back, its fury spares none. 

This region being home to several historic Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage sites apart from scenic tourist spots and trekking trails, the damage caused by landslides and incessant rains have been massive – in terms of loss of lives and property.  

Doctors, Individuals and many volunteers from various NGO’s from across the country immediately rushed to the hilly region to support the rescue & relief operation.  

Relief work:

To give a fair idea of the areas where the relief work is currently going on, would urge you to have a look at the Google Map below

http://google.org/crisismap/2013-uttrakhand-floods?gl=in

Youth For Seva is working with Sewa International in providing volunteer support to the relief work carried out by them in partnership with the local organizations & individuals. They were among the first organizations that have been working at the affected areas right from the time the disaster struck. 

Even now there is continuous heavy rainfall resulting in landslides, blocking & damaging of  roads and hampering the relief operation. We received a first-hand account from a volunteer of Sewa International named Anand Singh who is in Dehradun for the last few days. He was sent there to receive 500 Family kits donated by Abhaya Foundation, Hyderabad.

• ·         On 23rd July Started from Risikesh Kendra for reaching Gangori Kendra.Had to stay at Chindwali Sound from 23rd July 7.15 PM to 24^th July 6.30 PM due to landslide and severely damaged road and the inability of the vehicle to travel. Reached the relief camp at Gangori Saraswathi Shishu Mandir at 7.45 PM on 24th July. Unloaded the relief  material safely.

• ·         25th July from 12.15 PM to 4.30 PM took up the work of packing the material for convenient distribution to the victims with the help of local Volunteers.  5.15 PM conducted meeting with local volunteers discussing the Distribution process.

• ·         25th July Evening Due to unexpected heavy rains, delay in distribution program. Among the identified 35 Families of 5 villages, only 21 Families from 3 villages could reach the camp to receive the relief kit.

• ·         Most of the families receiving the material either were daily wage earners or those whose houses have been completely washed off in the floods.

• ·         The villages between Gangori and Maneri namely Hena, Garam Pani, Kwari, Naitala,  Ungi, Didsari, about 12 villages about 70 families out of the said villages, have been identified and distribution is going on in the form of 2-4 families at a time.

• ·         Some of the youth Volunteers who are involved in the relief work belong to families badly affected by the floods or whose villages are disconnected due to heavy rains. They are also being helped in all possible ways.

• ·         Due to heavy rains and cloudburst most of the villages beyond Gangori are still inaccessible and roads are badly damaged.  The D.M. of Uttarkashi also issued orders stopping the distribution work, as it may result in causalities or injuries to both volunteers and victims. Even in these circumstances plans are on to continue the relief work without disobeying the warning from the D.M.

• ·          In view of the said orders taking rescue material to the victims has become difficult. There is a limit of 25 kg maximum weight to be carried by a Pittu (coolie) and 60 Kg for a Khachar (Mule). which would be expensive and impractical. With roads damaged, these are the only means of transportation available.

• ·         Between Gangori and Maneri about 13 Km the cost of One Mule trip is between 1000 to 1200 rupees and that of a Pithu for 1 to 1.5 Km is about 250 to 300 rupees.

• ·          For few families who are dislocated from high altitude villages and have been staying at Garam Pani, Kot Bangla, Laksheshwar, Gangori  villages as refugees have been identified and relief material like clothes, Kitchen kit, given by Abhaya Foundation have been distributed apart from the Food material sent by Uttaranchal Daivi Apada Peedit Sahayata Samiti (UDAPSS).

• ·         Most of the families above are migrants from Orissa, Bihar and Nepal.

 

Immediate requirements:

Some relief related requirements like medical help is most welcome- health assistants have been running dispensaries due to lack of Doctors. Other items which are needed in good numbers for distribution are Blankets, Tents, Tarpaulins, Bed sheets and winter wear for adults and children.

There is also a requirement of Home Kit that consists of a list of materials per Family – grocery items, kitchen utensils and others like umbrella, lamp & mosquito nets (see image attached)

What can I do?

There is a lot of base camp work currently going on and a lot more are expected to happen in the coming months. Volunteers are tirelessly working day & night, braving the heavy rains, walking at least 10 kms everyday to reach out to people in different villages for distribution of Home kits by going without food themselves. It is quite an unimaginable situation but motivating enough for some of us to take a few days off from work and come together at this time of crisis.

You can be a part of it too. All you have to do is make yourself physically available for work. If that is not practical, then support those who are doing this on your behalf (At this juncture we appreciate help in terms of volunteer availability as well as financial assistance)

• Take a pledge to make a donation of Rs 500 for the volunteers of relief work & also spread the word to 5 of your friends to do the same.

http://www.causes.com/actions/1757021-support-the-uttrarakhand-flood-relief-volunteers?recruiter_id=13697768&utm_campaign=broadcast&utm_medium=wall&utm_source=fb

• Make donation for a Home Kit and help a family with the necessary ration to start again. Details attached.

•   Donate Blankets, Bed sheets, Tents, Tarpaulins or winter wear like sweater for adults & children. We DO NOT collect old or used clothes.

•   Donate medicines currently in need there. Details in the excel sheet.

•  We are also in need of medical professionals and trained counselors.

Make your donations to:

Name: Sewa International

Bank: State Bank of India

A/c No.: 31129537154

Type: Savings

Branch: Special Personal Banking Branch (PBB) Raj Bhavan

IFSC code: SBIN0004159

All donations are tax exempted under 80G.

For any clarifications, please write to yfschennai@youthforseva.org  or call on 9543043492.

Thanks,

Team YFS