INDIA: Salesians provide immediate aid after landslide
Salesian Province of Bangalore’s Development Office and local Salesian institutions respond
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Salesians are providing relief after devastating landslides wreaked havoc in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, killing more than 200, including children, and leaving several families missing. According to reports, the town of Mundakkai was completely swept away by the landslide. Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were other villages hit and cut off by the landslides.
The landslides occurred during the early hours of July 30 and washed away houses and those inside. Destroyed houses, swollen bodies of water and uprooted trees all hampered rescue operations. According to media reports, several bodies swept away by the gushing water were recovered, several kilometers away in the Chaliyar River in Malappuram. The Indian Army and two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilized for rescue operations. However, rescue efforts are challenged by the adverse climate and the lack of internet connectivity in the area.
The Salesian Province of Bangalore’s Development Office (BREADS) and two local Salesian institutions are responding with immediate relief efforts.
A Salesian noted, “Salesians are working to provide support in the region with immediate relief operations including food, shelter and clothing. They are also looking at planning efforts for long-term rehabilitation to aid the affected communities.”
Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery, which is located near where the landslides occurred, is one of the organizations coming to the aid of those affected. Its efforts include distributing essential supplies and coordinating rescue operations, along with planning for long-term recovery.
Student volunteers are supporting 15 out of the 44 relief camps set up with various essentials such as drinking water, clothes, toiletries and more. With government approval the college is set to provide relief services across all 44 camps. Several other student volunteers have been working with government rescue teams at the epicenter of the tragedy in various relief and rescue operations. Don Bosco College Sultan Bathery, in collaboration with BREADS, has collected funds which have allowed distribution of various essentials for those in the relief camps.
The Salesian added, “The college has already readied teams for cleaning of debris and for reconstruction wherever needed. The situation remains dire as rescue teams grapple with the scale of the destruction. Students steadfast in their mission to bring aid and restore hope to the residents of Wayanad.”
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Sources:
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ANS – India – Landslide Hits Kerala’s Wayanad; Several lives lost, Hundreds feared trapped
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
