Cyclone “Fani” has caused severe damage to the East Coast of India. In the village around the Penthakata School on the outskirts of the pilgrim and tourist town of Puri, many of the houses were damaged or completely destroyed. Countless families have lost everything.
Despite the internationally praised evacuations and the decline of media interest, the situation on site remains precarious. The generally simple dwellings of the inhabitants of Penthakata could not withstand the severe storm and are currently barely habitable. According to our partner, about 3000 families have lost their homes.
Fishing boats and small market stalls, which secure the existence of the families in Penthakata, were damaged and are no longer usable. The tourism in the coastal region, which will probably be severely impaired for a long time, is likely to have a long-term impact on the income security of the inhabitants.
According to our local partner, little help has been provided until now. Access to drinking water has so far been ensured. However, the continued supply of goods is very scarce and the distribution uncoordinated and chaotic, which further complicates the situation. Deliveries of relief goods are often plundered on the way to the village. The prices for food and building materials have risen drastically.
The security situation is critical. Many areas are flooded, roads and power lines damaged. In addition, missing and damaged sanitary facilities and sewage systems pose a serious health risk. The situation is further aggravated by expected rain and intense heat. Difficult access to resources and lack of control could lead to conflict and an increase in crime.
Together with its local partner, Usthi is providing emergency relief for the pupils of the Penthakata School, their families and, if possible, for other affected residents.
In a first step, Usthi and its local partner provide food and plastic tarpaulins for the 500 families of our students. For the basic supply for the families until the end of the month, we expect costs of around CHF 42,000 due to the current increase in local prices.
It is also Usthi’s concern that the children should be able to return to school as soon as possible in order to bring a little normality back into their everyday lives. For the most urgent renovations and clean-up work on the campus of the Penthakata School, we expect an additional CHF 13,000. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of the children on the school grounds.
With a donation of about 80 $, a family can be provided with urgently needed supplies. Each contribution is of great importance for the victims of the cyclone.
