After the cyclone “Fani” hit the state of Odisha hard, the situation in the fishing village of Penthakata is still precarious. Many houses have been badly damaged. Some fishing boats and market stalls can no longer be used. Many families have lost everything and are faced with nothing. Together with its local partner, Usthi is providing emergency relief for the affected people in Penthakata.

After the emergency goods arrived safely at the Usthi-operated Penthakata School, food and tarpaulins were distributed on the 12th and 13th of May. About 550 families received rice, lentils, sugar, oil, water and bread. In addition, 1000 families could be equipped with plastic tarpaulins to seal their damaged houses so that they can protect themselves from rain and sun.

For people who have no possibility to cook themselves, meals for about 500 people are handed out daily . The clean-up work on the campus is in full swing. The trees are being removed and water and power lines are being repaired so that school operations can continue. The aim is to resume lessons as soon as possible.

With the emergency aid donations received so far, the costs for emergency aid for the last 10 days can be covered. In order to cover the further costs for the basic care of the families in Penthakata, we depend on additional donations. Every contribution is of great importance for the victims of the cyclone.

Thank you very much for your support. Your commitment is of great importance for the population of Penthakata. It is wonderful, to be able to count on you.

The relief supplies have safely reached the Penthakata School and can be delivered from there to the victims of cyclone “Fani”. Our partner is making an incredible effort to provide for the families of our pupils.

We thank all our donors who have already made a contribution for the victims of cyclone “Fani” in Penthakata. It is wonderful to be able to count on your support.

The situation in Penthakata and throughout the state of Odisha is still precarious, countless families have lost their homes and sources of income and are faced with nothing. Every further contribution is of great importance for the people on site and ensures their existence.

Article on the Situation on aljazeera.com from Monday, 13th of May.

Here you find our latest pictures from Penthakata.

Cyclone “Fani” has caused severe damage to the East Coast of India. In the village around the Penthakata School on the outskirts of the pilgrim and tourist town of Puri, many of the houses were damaged or completely destroyed. Countless families have lost everything.

Despite the internationally praised evacuations and the decline of media interest, the situation on site remains precarious. The generally simple dwellings of the inhabitants of Penthakata could not withstand the severe storm and are currently barely habitable. According to our partner, about 3000 families have lost their homes.

Fishing boats and small market stalls, which secure the existence of the families in Penthakata, were damaged and are no longer usable. The tourism in the coastal region, which will probably be severely impaired for a long time, is likely to have a long-term impact on the income security of the inhabitants.

According to our local partner, little help has been provided until now. Access to drinking water has so far been ensured. However, the continued supply of goods is very scarce and the distribution uncoordinated and chaotic, which further complicates the situation. Deliveries of relief goods are often plundered on the way to the village. The prices for food and building materials have risen drastically.

The security situation is critical. Many areas are flooded, roads and power lines damaged. In addition, missing and damaged sanitary facilities and sewage systems pose a serious health risk. The situation is further aggravated by expected rain and intense heat. Difficult access to resources and lack of control could lead to conflict and an increase in crime.

Together with its local partner, Usthi is providing emergency relief for the pupils of the Penthakata School, their families and, if possible, for other affected residents.

In a first step, Usthi and its local partner provide food and plastic tarpaulins for the 500 families of our students. For the basic supply for the families until the end of the month, we expect costs of around CHF 42,000 due to the current increase in local prices.

It is also Usthi’s concern that the children should be able to return to school as soon as possible in order to bring a little normality back into their everyday lives. For the most urgent renovations and clean-up work on the campus of the Penthakata School, we expect an additional CHF 13,000. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of the children on the school grounds.

With a donation of about 80 $, a family can be provided with urgently needed supplies. Each contribution is of great importance for the victims of the cyclone.

Here you find current pictures from Penthakata.