The Province Office for Integral Social Development of the Gujarat Jesuits
Prashant
A Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace
Post Box N. 4050, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat, India
Tel.: +91 (079) 2744 9744, 2745 5913. Fax : (079) 2748 9018, 2630 1362
Mobile: 98240-34536 email : [email protected]

9th August 2004

GUJARAT HIT BY ANOTHER TRAGEDY: AN APPEAL FOR HELP

There is an old adage which says “it never rains but pours !”. This is exactly what has happening in most parts of Gujarat very specially in the tribal dominated area of South Gujarat.

In the last ten years, the State of Gujarat has faced atleast five droughts. This year, the signs were ominous as the spectre of another drought loomed large. The monsoons seem to have failed in most parts of the State. However, towards the end of July, the skies opened with a fury which perhaps Gujarat, had not seen in living memory. For more than ten days after that the rains were incessant and a good part of South Gujarat resembled the “biblical floods”. The rains have still not stopped though the fury is somewhat abated.

Most of the tribals have lost their meagre standing crops apart from the destruction of their mud-houses and their basic household articles. Several of their cattle-heads have been washed away. The total loss of life as of today is about one hundred. Some of our Chattralayas (Boarding Schools) are also badly affected. Besides, widespread epidemics and other kinds of illnesses are expected to break in over the next few days very specially in the poor remote areas of the State. Gujarat seems to have seen it all: droughts, floods, plague, epidemics of the highest proportions, the killer earthquake of 2001, the carnage of 2002 and now, these terrible floods.

The full extent of the floods and the damage that has been caused to life and property will take some days to assess. However, our office has been receiving several requests for help which include : emergency help to provide food packets, drinking water, canvass / plastic sheets, household articles, clothing, bedding, medicines, etc. As of now, the immediate emergency requirement for the next weeks is estimated about Euros 500,000.00. (five hundred thousand) for the people we work with.

The Province Office for Integral Social Development (POISD) of the Society of Jesus in Gujarat is appealing for funds to help mitigate in some way the pain and trauma of this current tragedy.

We urgently appeal to your generosity to support our efforts.

Cheques / Demand Drafts are to be made in favour of THE GUJARAT EDUCATION SOCIETY and sent by Registered Post / Courier to :

Fr. Cedric Prakash sj.
THE GUJARAT EDUCATION SOCIETY
Newman Hall
Post Box 4002
Navrangpura P.O.
Ahmedabad 380 009
Gujarat, INDIA

Bank / Telegraphic transfers can be sent directly to :
BANK OF BARODA A/c. No. 21243
(THE GUJARAT EDUCATION SOCIETY)
University Campus Branch
Navrangpura , Ahmedabad 380 009 Gujarat, India SWIFT No. : BAR BIN BBA AHM

Thanking you in anticipation for your support,

Warm wishes and prayers,

Fr. Cedric Prakash s.j.
DIRECTOR - ( PO I S D )

Geographical place: India

Date of creation or issue: 2004. 08. 09.

Author: Prakash, Cedric SJ

Group, movement, tendency (wherefrom it comes from): Prashant