Monday, September 1, 2008

River of Sorrow

The floods in Bihar are the worst floods India has seen in 50 years. Millions have been displaced due to the Kosi - called Bihar's River of Sorrow for its frequent flooding - the actual number of the dead will be clear once the waters recede.

One of the poorest states in the country is facing the brunt of nature and government apathy. One of the many individuals/organisations doing their bit towards Bihar in Ahmedabad, Shvaas has a number of options for you to contribute/help with. Their sister organisation, that's overlooking the relief efforts, Goonj, is based in Delhi and has tie-ups with numerous agencies across India. You're likely to find such a group in your city as well. Please help.



Items needed:

Material support- Dry ration, Medicines, candles & matchbox, torch & batteries, utensils, tarpaulin, feeding bottles, buckets, ropes, bedsheets, all kind of usable clothing & footwear.

Logistical support-* Transport support to reach the material to effected areas. * Space for collection centers* Facilities for local pickups, * Transportation of material from Ahmedabad to GOONJ processing centers in Delhi, Chennai & Mumbai* Volunteers for sorting, packing in Ahmedabad, Shvaas

Large quantities of- Rice, Chiwra, biscuits, packed eatables, Water purifier tablets, Basic medicines, Sarees and children clothing, Tarpaulins or thick polythene, Bedsheets, Export surplus/ Cotton cloth for making sanitary napkins, Mosquito nets, Stoves, cooking and water storage utensils/buckets

If you're in Ahmedabad and can contribute, kindly call up Nirali at this number: 0999 893 7680. Alternatively, you can drop off the items/walk in to volunteer at Punjabi Sewa Samaj, Next to Navrangpura bus-stop. Timings: 10am to 6pm.

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