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On 25th May 2009 Cyclone Aila had
hit Eastern India and Bangladesh. In the Sunderbans, a huge Delta and nature
sanctuary, it caused devastating damage. More than 500000 houses are partly
or completely destroyed, more than one and a half million people have lost
everything. (About 5 million people are reported to be affected all over
eastern India).
The livestock has perished, saline water has rendered farm lands unusable
for many months to come - grim outlooks for the future. The weather forecast
for the area is a new cause for sorrow, as they predict heavy rains. In the
last few days, people with support from Government / Military and NGOs have
been desperately trying to repair embankments, to prepare for the monsoon.
However, Disaster management is not on track yet. There is a lack of basic
necessities - water, staple foods, medical assistance. While some islands in
the Sunderbans have received relief items, many others have received nothing
at all.
The Cyclone has claimed almost 200 lives in Eastern India according to
agency reports. In this grossly under- reported disaster, what is clearly
overseen, is that there are many more damage that is to follow if people of
Sunderbans don't receive help and assistance to set up their life again.
Outbreakes of epidemics are feared, as people have no other choice than
drinking contamined water. Deaths due to diarrhoea has already been reported
among large parts of the cyclone victims.
Cyclone Aila Support group is set up to help the people in need in the
Sunderbans region. Association for Conservation and Tourism-ACT has been in
the field from the day one onwards and is stretching beyond all its limit to
reach out to people at the earliest.
Asit Biswas from ACT pointed out some of the impacts of Cyclone Aila, "Loss of livelihood
may cause huge pressure on the park, the devastation will affect the balance
between the human population and the ecosystem leading to further climate
change, food and water security, social stability, migration to cities".
We have partnered with Charities Aid Foundation - India (CAF India) to help
manage an accountable and transparent fund utilisation. ACT and West Bengal
Voluntary Health Association (WBVHA) are coordinating the relief efforts.
However, our commitment will go beyond the immediate relief and we need all
your support !
People are in need. We can make positive changes to their lives. Kindly join
us!
Thank you!
Cyclone Aila Support Group
P.S: Any amount of money makes a difference!
Please forward this message to your friends, colleagues, visit the website
for more updates.
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