Sikh Relief (previously known as SOPW www.prisonerwelfare.org). This is an organisation that is registered in the UK (Charity No 1125370) and undertakes many projects under its remit.
The floods are the worst that this area has seen for over 100 years. More than 250 people have died and we may never know the full toll. There are many human bodies and animals in the standing water and the biggest danger now is the contaminated water.
Our volunteers, a team of 80, are not working in the camps as other organisations, but being airlifted by the Air Force with all the essential items eg clean water, baby milk and food, medicines, warm clothes etc to those that have been cut off and not been able to reach the safe areas.
The team at every point are coordinating with the relevant authorities. In doing so, we are provided with lists of items that are needed and which are the worst affected areas. India Air Force are utilised to fly our volunteers and the relief aid to the designated areas. Sikh Relief team travelled by boat and foot as necessary to distribute.
The team have created packs with all the essential items in there for the families. Travelling on foot through the water, knocking on each house and regardless of faiths, are providing the relief packs and most importantly listening to the stories of each individual family, we are the first people to reach them. It is a difficult time for the very young and elderly as they are the most vulnerable.
Photos and media coverage in India can be found on the website and FB pages.
It is in times like these that we remember the generous virtues of Bhai Kanaiya and to spread this love and kindness to the world, which is seeing so many conflicts and natural disasters.
Kind regards
Manjit Kaur (UK)
www.sikhrelief.org
https://www.facebook.com/SikhRelief