(Jagganath, flood survivor in Maharashtra, received our emergency aid)
Since this July, India has been impacted by monsoon. This disaster was the most severe flood in recent 25 years. By the end of October, over 2,100 people died, 2.6 million people were inflicted and more than 400,000 houses were destroyed. [1] And Maharashtra, the major cane production area in India, was most severely impacted, where 22 districts were devastated, 430 people died, and over 700,000 residents were forced to seek shelter. [2]
“I hope to resume my work in the fields after the floodwater drains away, so that I can put food on the table.”
That was the wish of a flood-affected farmer in the southern Indian state of Kerala. In August 2018, a devastating flood struck Kerala causing over 480 deaths and an economic loss of US$2.8 billion. As the flood victims go through a difficult time of recovery from natural disaster, CEDAR reached out and provided relief aid to them through EFICOR*, our long-term partner in India. Until 27 November 2018, 13,060 families have been benefited from our support. They received relief materials included rice, cooking oil, bath soaps, clothes, and bed-sheets, enough for each household’s use for 1.5 months**.
‘Spitting is disgusting and will be subject to a penalty of HKD 2,000.’ After years of hygiene education, Hong Kong people have learnt the importance of keeping our city clean. Whether it is for promoting health or securing life, or for minimizing the economic loss, or for effective allocation of medical resources, ‘prevention superior than cure’ is the obvious principle behind. Similarly when facing the destructive disasters, there are measures to mitigate and resist the impact and damages caused by natural and human hazards. Ironically, human hazards are usually the most destructive power in a disaster.
[ ‘SHARE’ Jul-Aug 2013 – Burying Seeds ] STEP INTO THE WORLD
The 2013 Yaan Earthquake destroyed the area’s infrastructure and traumatised hundreds of victims. In May, CEDAR’s China Project staff visited them in the Shuangshi Township of Lushan County and noticed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms such as insomnia, angry outbursts and irritability.
Shuangshi Township is a remote hilly district which lags behind in economic growth; the young work in the cities leaving behind the aged, women and children. Lacking medical care, the elderly constantly worry about their health. The women are uneducated and without community support, looking after their children is a lonely and arduous task. The earthquake further caused psychological traumas, so the villagers badly need care and counselling.
Granted funding by the HKSAR Government’s Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee, CEDAR has started the second phase of relief resources distribution. The later reconstruction stage aims to help PTSD sufferers by providing psychological and community support through referrals and counselling, community aid and support groups, and community education events.
[1] CEDAR is an approved charitable institutions and trusts of a public character under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Please click Inland Revenue Department website to check for details. [2] Donations over $100 are tax deductible in Hong Kong with our receipts. [3] Please DO NOT fax any donation information.
Contact Method
Tel>23819627 Fax>23922777 Email>sharing@cedarfund.org Add>G.P.O. Box 3212Hong Kong
