Yaas Cyclone Relief, W.B 2021
Disaster ResponseYaas Cyclone Relief, W.B 2021
On May 26, 2021, the Sundarbans and its coastal areas were severely impacted by Cyclone Yaas. For the residents of this ecologically fragile region, daily life involves contending with high tides and frequent cyclones. However, each cyclone brings unprecedented challenges that the inhabitants struggle to cope with. The coastal regions of Purba Medinipur, North, and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal were particularly hard hit, with extensive flooding leaving thousands homeless. Many residents are battling hunger while also trying to maintain hygiene amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to this dire situation, Our Friends In Need Society organized the Yaas Relief Drive on June 6, 2021, in the Sundarbans, specifically in villages such as Tushkhali, Atapur, Manipur, Dhoniyakhali, and Puinjola. We provided essential support to 600 affected individuals by distributing grocery items, dry foods, and hygiene materials, including sanitary pads, masks, and sanitizers, to help them navigate these challenging times.
Amphan Cyclone, W.B 2020
On May 22, 2020, Super Cyclone Amphan struck West Bengal, devastating an area of 21,560 square kilometers. With winds reaching up to 190 km/h and torrential rainfall, Amphan made landfall at Digha on May 20, 2020, at 2:30 PM. The cyclone quickly moved north-northeast at 27 km/h and transformed into a severe storm as it headed toward Bangladesh, approximately 270 km north-northeast of Kolkata.
The destruction caused by Amphan resulted in significant loss of property and livelihoods. Crop fields were flooded with saline water, homes were destroyed, and over 5,000 trees were uprooted, particularly in the Sundarbans region. Eight coastal districts suffered immensely, with 80 lives lost and thousands left homeless, forced to live in makeshift shelters or on the streets.
In response, Our Friends in Need Society committed to supporting the affected communities. We organized a two-phase relief drive, distributing essential materials to 400 families, benefiting around 1,600 individuals across seven villages, including Bainara, Kumirmari, Rupkumari, and Dhanikhali, among others. Relief packages included 14 essential items, such as rations, dry food, and hygiene materials.
Ailla Cyclone Relief Drive, W.B, 2009
In the aftermath of the devastating Aila Cyclone in 2009, which severely impacted North and South 24 Parganas, our organization launched a comprehensive relief operation. We initiated a door-to-door collection campaign, gathering essential supplies from local shops and households throughout Barasat Municipality. Our efforts resulted in the collection of over six tons of dry food, including biscuits, parched rice, rice, pulses, and bottled water, along with more than 1,000 articles of clothing.
To ensure efficient distribution, a team of two or three members traveled directly to the affected areas with the collected relief materials. They remained on-site to distribute food and medicine while collaborating with other agencies operating in the region. This initiative aimed not only to provide immediate relief to those in need but also to foster a spirit of solidarity and support among the affected communities during this challenging time. Through our efforts, we sought to alleviate the suffering of families and help them rebuild their lives in the wake of the cyclone's destruction.
