Heavy rainfall lashed the Indian State of Uttarakhand from the 14th till 17th June 2013 and caused landslides due to flashfloods. As a result, there was a huge loss to life and property.  People from all over the country and from abroad have come forward to extend their support in every way possible.  His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’souza, the Archbishop of Calcutta made an appeal to the catholic community in Kolkata to come forward and extend their support and solidarity in whichever way possible. In response to that appeal, Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata were the first to contribute for this cause by donating Rs.1,07,381/-.

FIRST TRIP

On 25th May 2009 thousands of people were affected by the cyclone Aila in Sunderban. Many people lost their lives. We were deeply moved by the devastating plight of the cyclone victims, and wanted to reach out to the affected people. Therefore, we decided to make a trip and get a first hand report.

We went as a team consisting of four doctors; Dr. Rajat Subhra Sen, Dr. Debabshish Chatterjee, Dr. Parthasarathi Ghosh and Mr. Mahesh Haswani. Our Principal Sr. Monica and four teachers, Miss G.William, Miss Rashika Hanum, Miss Shaoli Mitra, Sr. Shanta accompanied by the staff from Seva Kendra-Lawrence.

We visited two villages-Nityoberia and Ghoshpur Kalingar. We had a free medical relief camp and the doctors who went with us treated nearly 300 patients. The whole village is submerged in water .All the places are flooded with water. The Saline water has destroyed the fertility of the land . Nothing can be cultivated in these areas. Due to this stagnant water, people are suffering from diarrhea, fever, cough, and cold and other water borne diseases.

We saw the condition of the people. It was devastating. Mosquito nets, mats, blankets were distributed by the team. We have also collected lungis, sarees, and clothes for children, and teachers are also contributing towards this noble cause. The entire staff of Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata will be visiting the affected area as a follow up action for the “Aila” project in collaboration with Seva Kendra, Kolkata.

Second Trip

Another trip was made on 02.07.09 to the “Aila” affected region in North 24Pgns by Ms. Minu Bor and Mrs. Rosalind Saha. Both teachers accompanied by two nuns and a doctor couple along with a health worker reached out to them. Seva Kendra has been providing Kichri to the people ever since the crisis began. People are in dire need of food, shelter and clothing as all their belongings have been carried away by the wrath of the river.