Cyclone Fani destroys Penthakata

Cyclone “Fani” caused severe damage on the east coast of India and, despite large-scale evacuation, caused many deaths and injuries. The pilgrimage town of Puri and the fishing village of Penthakata were hit hard. The Penthakata School was not exempt either. 

With a wind speed of over 200 km/h the cyclone “Fani” reached the pilgrimage destination Puri at the Indian east coast on Friday, 3rd of May. According to current information, there were more than 30 deaths and hundreds of people were seriously injured.

A large part of the infrastructure was either swept away or flooded. The fishing village of Penthakata, near Puri, where Usthi runs a school, is also severely affected. The majority of the simple dwellings and a large number of the fishing boats, which secure the existence of the inhabitants, were severely damaged or completely destroyed. Countless families have lost their homes.

Part of the school campus has also been damaged. Nevertheless, the premises could be used as emergency accommodation for affected families. The exact extent of the damage and dangers caused by inadequate hygienic conditions are difficult to assess. The main task at the moment is to ensure basic supplies for the residents and to prevent impending crime and health risks before reconstruction can begin.

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

Sources: SRF 4th May 2019, tagesschau.de 4th May 2019, aljazeera.com 5th May 2019

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