New Delhi: Caritas India Tuesday sent out a national appeal seeking support for victims of a massive earthquake in neighboring Nepal.
At the same time the social wing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, sent a five-member team to Nepal to assist Caritas Nepal in rescue and relief works.
The Indian Church aid agency also offered prayers and condolences to all those who their lives and properties in what is considered a colossal damage.
“Heading the team is Caritas India’s DRR-Technical Manager Anjan Bag who led many disaster responses including Uttarakhand and Kashmir floods,” said Fr. Frederick D’Souza, executive director of Caritas, who recently completed three years in the office.
Anjan is assigned to conduct the need assessment and analysis for intervention as well as networking of the relief work in Nepal. He is joined by quality manager Sunil Mammen.
Another team member is Mumbai based Sr. Hilda Fernandes, who will assist in psycho social counseling while two more members from Camelian Task force will provide medical assistance.
Fr. Frederick also explained that India team will deliver effective services, given the composition of the team – experts and experience-holders in emergency responses.
He further narrated that the earthquake has brought everyone – the poor as well as the rich to the streets as the best of the buildings have developed cracks and are not safe anymore. Many have taken shelters in the tents and space provided by Caritas network.
As relief materials started to arrive, the agency distributed more than 1,500 kilograms of rice, 174 tents along with many packets of dry food items like noodles with cooking oil and biscuits among the needy.
Dr. Haridas, who landed in Nepal soon after the quake, said water and food continue to be a major concern. “Caritas teams who have arrived from across the globe are fighting against all odds from disrupted road connectivity to shortage of power supply affecting flow of communication and coordination in relief work,” he was quoted in a Caritas India press note.
The press release explained that funds coming to Caritas India will be given to the Prime Minister’s Office fund. Those interested can make payment to Caritas International Headquarter based in Rome by logging onto caritas.org, the press note said.
Caritas organizations from all over the world are mobilizing resources. The cost of major relief article is explained as such, drinking water, tent, rice bags, dry food worth 700 Indian rupees each will support a family for a week.
“People may have money that cannot buy food at these difficult times,” the Caritas India director said.
(Funds can be donated through CARITAS INDIA A/C NO: 0153053000007238 with SOUTH INDIAN BANK LTD, ACCOUNT NAME: CARITAS INDIA, BANK ADDRESS: 22, REGAL BUILDING CONNAUGHT PLACE, NEW DELHI – 110 001, IFSC/ NEFT CODE: SIBL0000153.)