Providing Aid to Tropical Cyclone Fani Victims

In May 2019, Tropical Cyclone Fani, one of the strongest tropical storms in two decades, struck Eastern India, particularly devastating the state of Odisha. The cyclone, equivalent to a category 4 hurricane, hit with winds of 240 kilometers per hour, destroying homes, infrastructure, and uprooting trees. Over 28 million people, including 10 million children, were put in harm’s way, with the town of Puri facing severe damage. Power outages, downed power lines, and the destruction of over 6,000 schools and 1,000 health facilities left the population in dire need of immediate aid.

UNITED SIKHS faced the challenge of providing emergency relief to the affected population, particularly those who were evacuated and displaced. The mission was to deliver critical resources such as food, shelter, and medical aid to the people of Puri, a region struggling with widespread destruction, and to ensure the safety and care of vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

UNITED SIKHS mobilized over a dozen volunteers to respond swiftly. The team established a base at a local gurdwara in Puri, providing free meals (langar) and offering shelter to those in need. The organization distributed essential supplies to the displaced population, particularly focusing on the elderly and children. UNITED SIKHS also prepared to set up medical camps, further extending their aid by addressing the healthcare needs of the cyclone survivors.

Through their efforts, UNITED SIKHS was able to provide immediate relief to thousands of affected individuals. The langar served not only nourished those in shelters but also offered a sense of community and support during a time of despair. The evacuation efforts, combined with the organization’s relief response, saved countless lives, while their ongoing presence helped stabilize the situation for the victims of Cyclone Fani. This was yet another demonstration of UNITED SIKHS’ commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities, continuing their work from more than 30 global disaster responses since 1999.