HELPING THE POOR IN BIHAR INDIA TO SURVIVE COVID

Namaste

Here is an update on our Covid 19 response.

Lockdown was imposed here in Bihar almost a month previously with serious economic effects on daily wage labourers and migrant worker families. The pandemic has now started to abate here for now but the situation is grossly under reported particularly with regard to the number of deaths. 

So, what steps did the Trust take recently…. how have your kind donations helped?

At the height of the recent emergency, we had an advice desk and staff roaming on the station where over 100,000 passengers arrived in the recent period offering antigen tests, help and assistance hand sanitizers masks and even transport to very poor migrant families who due to the lack of public transport could not reach their home villages. Our assistance was not limited to just dropping them off, our staff ensured that all the assistance available to them was being given.

In addition, we had another emergency advice centre coordinating with our contacts in the local administration trying to find available needs and oxygen cylinders and emergency care for those most in need including street children and the poorest sections of our community. This centre is now winding down but emphasis has shifted to provide for the very poorest and most vulnerable members of the local community to help them survive the lockdown.

We cannot thank you enough for your assistance.

Thank you to all and staff and volunteers who continue to work bravely and selflessly for the benefit of the community.  

Many supporters have asked whether we have received any assistance from the GlobalGiving appeal particularly the Indian Covid Appeal. The answer is not yet but we have applied and hopefully some help is under consideration. We shall be open and transparent and let you know what happens, so once again thank you for your kindness and compassion.

Please stay safe and well

With best wishes

Piriyanda

First of all, may I thank you so much for your donations and generosity.

Please help spread the word…

We wanted to let you know with the help of volunteers we are helping to distribute oxygen cylinders to the very poorest and arranging as best we can emergency temporary accommodation for urgent cases where some treatment can be given.

We are somewhat overwhelmed but with your help we are doing what we can. We have a small medical team but we have managed to recruit many volunteers to help.

I want to let you know that amongst all the stories of corruption and government incompetence there is another story of brave volunteers and people and organisations that really want to help.

We will be sending further reports with pictures and more details later but we just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your support.

We are coordinating with local civic organisations and business in a joint approach to face this emergency.

Some of our brave team of over 100 volunteers (mostly young people) are now helping with the grim task of removing bodies and helping to arrange cremations. We salute them all and you too for your kindness and compassion.

Look out for further updates

With thanks

Priya