SEWA International USA appeals for Andhra-Karnataka Flood Relief Fund

San Francisco, CA, October 5, 2009 - More than 200 people have been killed in Karnataka and neighboring Andhra Pradesh (AP) in heavy rain since Wednesday September 30. Army boats and air force helicopters Friday began to rescue hundreds of marooned people, waiting on rooftops and higher ground. Thousands more have been rendered homeless. 'Over 40,000 houses have been damaged,' a spokesperson for the Karnataka revenue ministry told IANS. He said five helicopters and 40 boats have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Over 85 relief centers have been set up, he added. The famous Raghavendra Swamy temple in Mantralaya, Kurnool District, AP is under considerable water. In Vijayawada, AP the water levels are at dangerous levels threatening the Prakasam Barrage. The cause of these unseasonably heavy rains has been identified as a major depression in the Bay of Bengal.

Rivers Krishna and Tungabhadra are in spate. Reservoirs are full with the reservoirs at Srisailam and Nagarjunsagar releasing large amounts of water that could result in low-lying villages downstream coming under water. Over 500 villages have already been inundated in AP while 1406 villages are marooned in Karnataka. Nearly 1.8 million affected and half a million rendered homeless.

SEWA International, USA supported NGO Seva Bharati, Youth for Seva, and Jana Sankshema Samiti volunteers in India have already launched relief camps in those towns of AP & Karnataka where food, medicine and essential items are being provided to the people. Seva Bharati volunteers from Adoni went to Mantralaya cleaned Mantralaya temple and cleared the dead bodies of cows of goshala, deer and other animals. Many of the dead are pilgrims to the Mantralaya Temple. Volunteers have removed these bodies and handed them over to the police. In addition, Seva Bharathi has created a Flood relief kit consisting of 3 sets of cooking utensils, two plates and glasses, 10kg rice, 1kg dal, 1/2 kg tamarind, 1/4 kg masala powder, 1 blanket and 1 mat, costing $25 (Rupees 1,200). Working round the clock the volunteers are rescuing, distributing relief materials, providing food and essential health care.

Announcing an immediate relief of $10,000 from general funds towards flood relief, SEWA International USA President, Professor Sree N. Sreenath said, "The tragedy that has unfolded through nature's fury is unimaginable. Our volunteers on the ground are working very hard under adverse conditions. Public support through donations will help mitigate the sufferings of poor people. We exhort our donors to check with their employers for matching contributions. We even have a capped dollar-to-dollar matching program for large donations from institutions such as temples and cultural associations. Many Telugu and Kannada Associations are working with us in raising awareness and helping."
Further Prof. Sreenath continues, "Immediate concern is relief, but lurking behind is the more challenging rehabilitation. Many people have lost their livelihood and homes. Sewa International recognizes experientially that in the longer term we need to rebuild homes, schools, medical clinics, and not the least – damaged lives. Our volunteers on site are assessing the damage and planning rehabilitation already. Sewa International is in this for the long term."

Sewa International USA is a non-profit organization with international presence. It has over 25 years of experience and has the capability to develop volunteers from the local population. Sewa International USA helps victims regardless of caste, class, creed, color or religion. Sewa International USA funds project in the area of health care, education, women empowerment, environment and disaster relief and rehabilitation in India, USA, Sri Lanka, Caribbean countries and South America.

SEWA USA is soliciting tax-deductible contribution for the support of these victims. Donate online at http://www.sewausa.org or make check payable to 'SEWA' & mention 'AP/Karnataka Floods' in the memo. Mailing Address: Sewa International USA
PO Box 14622
Fremont, CA 94539. Contact: info@sewausa.org, (440) 941-2525. For up to date information on relief work visit the website.