Supporting CASA in Responding to Super Cyclone Amphan
Supporting CASA in Responding to Super Cyclone Amphan
Web Statement
July 16, 2020
Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) as the organization provides emergency relief to farmers, laborers and migrant workers impacted by the devastating Super Cyclone Amphan in May.
On May 20th, Super Cyclone Amphan made landfall in West Bengal, India, bringing heavy gales and deadly storm surges and flooding. The powerful cyclone killed at least 82 people and flattened several villages in 23 districts with winds as high as 190 km/hr. Crops and livestock were destroyed, taking away sources of food and income. Infrastructure such as roads and cell phone towers were also impacted, making it difficult to reach vulnerable communities with emergency assistance. The impact of the cyclone has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
CASA is providing food, shelter and sanitation items such as water purification tablets, soap and face masks to farmers, laborers and migrant workers who have lost their homes or means of income due to the storm. The organization’s staff and volunteers have instituted physical distancing and personal protective equipment protocols to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The dry ration kits contain soybean oil, salt, turmeric and other nonperishable supplies to help supplement the rice and lentils provided by the Indian government.
“Super Cyclone Amphan is a reminder that climate-influenced disasters continue during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Response and Risk Reduction for Episcopal Relief & Development. “Episcopal Relief & Development remains committed to supporting partners, such as CASA, as they provide emergency assistance and recover from powerful storms.”
Please pray for all those impacted by Super Cyclone Amphan. Learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to help partners prepare for and respond to the effects of a changing climate here.
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
