Help those worst affected by Cyclone Yaas

Cyclone Yaas, the second cyclone of 2021, struck Odisha and parts of West Bengal at a speed of 150 kmph, risking countless lives and livelihoods. Categorised as a very severe cyclonic storm, it has had a devastating impact leaving many with increased suffering while in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

SEEDS is responding to the immediate needs reported from the ground by its local partners and volunteers in the worst affected districts. This humanitarian organisation is a winner of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2021. It is responding to needs with the support of dry ration, safe drinking water, Covid care essentials and other necessary items of home utility.

While millions of affected families are seeking shelters to stay safe from the aftermath of the catastrophic cyclone, risk of spreading coronavirus pandemic is looming large. Maintaining social distance in rescue and relief efforts has become a challenge at this time. Basis the first level need-assessment by the team, SEEDS appeals for support towards providing immediate relief and building back better with Odisha and West Bengal through its Cyclone Yaas response in times of COVID-19.

This disaster comes amid the ongoing crisis of Covid-19 that has only raised the concerns and challenges for the most marginalised communities having to face the brunt. At this moment, the organisation with its local partners and a total of 400 volunteers are actively reaching out to the local communities at the ground.

Says Dr Manu Gupta, Co-founder, SEEDS, “We at SEEDS remain committed and are actively reaching out to maximum number of people and our teams are working relentlessly to analyse the long-term needs of the affected. We are also gauging how the affected families can be helped most effectively while maintaining measures to strengthen the struggle against the spread of the ongoing pandemic. As we begin to reach out to the most vulnerable communities to address their immediate needs, we appeal for maximum support from corporates, institutions and citizens.”

SEEDS calls for funding for the following:

Ration Kit: Rs. 1,000 to support one family of 5 consisting of a wheat flour, rice, pulses, oil, spices, salt, soybean, sugar, tea leaf and milk powder

Safe Drinking Water Support: Rs. 1,000 to support one family with safe water for a month

Covid Care Kit: Rs. 1,500 to support one family with face masks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towel, sanitary pads, nail cutter, mosquito repellent, washing soap, bathing soap, washing powder, buckets, mug

Family Utility Kit: Rs. 4,000 to support one family with plates, glasses, bowls, kadai, spoons, lighter; and bedding items like double size floor mat, bed sheet, mosquito net and solar lamp with USB charger.

You can donate at https://www.seedsindia.org/cycloneyaas