Juan Ciudad NGO held an informational event today in Madrid on the situation in Kerala, India, with representatives of religious organizations providing humanitarian aid to nearly 200,000 people affected by the floods in the severely affected districts of Idukki and Kottayan.
As explained live via Skype by Father Reverend Philips Wadakkekalam from the Archdiocese of Changanasshery, "After the initial rescue and care efforts for thousands of people in refugee camps in August, we are now clearing mud and debris to help displaced people return to their homes, in addition to rebuilding water supplies and sanitation, which remains an urgent priority."
One of the main threats is the spread of disease, so efforts are being made to control epidemics through health education and basic prevention measures, in addition to the distribution of food and cleaning kits.
From the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Kattappana, groups of healthcare professionals have been organized to travel to different locations in the area to care for those affected, with special attention to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 12 years old. They also distribute free medicines and clothing, among other essential items.
"It's essential to support these institutions in the coming months, as the reconstruction work will take a long time, even years, and that's why we're relaunching the Kerala Emergency campaign," said Brother JosĂ© MarĂa Viadero, director of Juan Cuidad ONGD.
Also speaking at the event were the Poor Clare Franciscan Sisters, Annamma Philip, Superior in Madrid, and Jo MarĂa George, who emphasized the importance of supporting families in rural areas on a physical and psychological level, as they have lost everything and suffered greatly emotionally.
His congregation works in conjunction with the Changanassherry Social Service Society (CHASS) and plans to distribute seeds to enable new crops, as well as microloans to start local and family-run agricultural businesses, raising calves, goats, poultry, etc., and reactivating fishing with the purchase of boats.
To date, 18,000 euros have been raised and sent, divided equally between three groups, to Kattappana Hospital, the Diocese of Kanjirappally, and the Congregation of the Poor Clares, which works in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Changanassherry and CHASS.
Finally, Adriana Castro, head of Communications at Juan Ciudad ONGD, explained that there are two ways to collaborate with the campaign: spreading the word in our community and on social networks, and making a donation to the campaign account: ES63 0049 6096 4225 1013 7261
Donations to Juan Ciudad NGO: ES63 0049 6096 4225 1013 7261
More information: www.juanciudad.org
Message from Brother JosĂ© MarĂa Viadero to support and spread the campaign:
News source: Adriana Castro. JCONGD Communications
Photos: Noelia SĂĄnchez and Adriana Castro.
