Cyclone Fani: here’s how you can help rebuild Odisha
As Odisha struggles to rebuild and gradually recoups from the disastrous cyclone, here’s how you can help the affected families.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Fani, one of the worst cyclones to hit India’s eastern coastline, Odisha has proved that it is one of the most disaster-ready states in the world. After more than a million people were evacuated into 9,000 shelters within 24 hours, the state is presently preparing to rebuild itself.
Relief and restoration work are underway to provide vital facilities like water supply, electricity, and mobile connectivity.
Several citizens and organisations have come forward to help the state get back to normalcy. While food tech startup Zomato has teamed up with Feeding India, a not-for-profit organisation, to deliver meals and basic amenities to the affected families, entities such as Kalinga Swaraj Foundation has pitched for contribution to the Odisha Chief Minister Relief Fund on crowdsourcing platform Milaap.
Also read: In the wake of Cyclone Fani, Odisha emerges a role model in disaster preparedness
Here’s how you can help.
1. Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
You can donate online directly to the Odisha Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. There is the option to write a cheque or a bank draft in favour of “Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Odisha”, payable at Bhubaneswar, with the following mailing address:
Additional Secretary to Government
Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
General Administration & Public Grievance Department
Odisha Secretariat, Bhubaneswar-751001
2. Amazon
Ecommerce major Amazon has initiated a donation drive on its platform to rehabilitate the livelihoods of disaster-hit families. You can make a contribution by scanning the QR code using your Amazon app or make an UPI payment here.
3. Zomato
Foodtech unicorn Zomato has collaborated with Feeding India and announced a relief drive to provide succour for victims in the cyclone-affected area and pave the way for public participation. You can contribute to food relief directly through the Zomato platform, or sign up to be a volunteer to provide assistance on ground or even drop off essential items like utensils and clothing here.
4. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity India, a non-profit organisation, has deputed its Rapid Response Team and mobilised volunteers to assist in recovery operations and rebuilding the lives of families affected by Cyclone Fani. In the first phase of the response, Habitat India is reaching out to affected individuals and families with humanitarian aid kits and emergency shelter kits. You can donate here.
5. Paytm
Fintech major Paytm has opened up contributions on its digital payments app to enable users to contribute to relief and rehabilitation efforts in Odisha. Users have the option to contribute to the Odisha Cyclone Relief Fund on the Paytm app.
6. SEEDS India
SEEDS India is reaching out to 100,000 people in the most affected regions with safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and medical camps. The not-for-profit organisation is providing safe drinking water to affected families through local water treatment and organising health camps to provide urgent medical attention to the victims of Cyclone Fani.
To make a contribution, visit this.
#Cyclone Fani is continuing its path across Eastern India, but communities are already suffering from the impact. SEEDS is responding to help the most vulnerable families with immediate #water and #healthneeds
7. SOS Children’s Villages of India
SOS Children’s Villages of India has set up two relief camps, reaching out to 1,000 affected families who are most vulnerable, with safe childcare spaces for children being created in these relief camps.
8. ActionAid Association
ActionAid Association has its emergency response teams on the ground, who are ready to do an early assessment and find out needs of impacted populations. ActionAid teams, which are closely monitoring the situation in Odisha and West Bengal, have been working with the state government and other institutions, supporting the evacuation of locals and spreading early warning measures with the local community radio.
To donate to ActionAid’s Cyclone Fani relief fund, go here.
9. Goonj
Non-governmental organisation Goonj is accepting monetary contributions as well as materials including food, utensils, clothes, toiletries, essentials, and other items. To make a contribution, visit this page.
10. Ketto
Disaster relief NGO Rapid Response has asked for Rs 10,00,000 on the crowdfunding website Ketto, to distribute 1,000 relief kits to 1,000 worst affected families. Make your contribution online here.
11. Milaap
Organised by the Kalinga Swaraj Foundation, the campaign is aiming to raise a total of Rs 1 crore, of which over Rs 11.6 lakh has already been received. You can make a donation by clicking here.
12. Oxfam India
NGO Oxfam India is looking out for monetary donations, which will go towards water, emergency food supplies, shelter and hygiene kits, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery. To donate, go here.
13. HelpAge India
The NGO has created a portal and is accepting monetary donations to rebuild the lives of those affected by the cyclone. The organisation will use the money for rations, medical supplies, and other relief materials.
To make a contribution, click here.
14. World Vision
The international disaster management agency has opened a relief fund donations page for India and Bangladesh. The agency will release the funds to their local partners doing relief work. Make a donation online here.
15. DonateKart
This website has listed a few essential items such as rice, water, wheat, and sanitary napkins among others that people can choose from and donate. You can buy items for relief by clicking here.
16. UNICEF USA
UNICEF is asking for donations towards children’s healthcare, nutrition, safe drinking water and protection. It accepts donations in US dollars. You can make a contribution here.
17. ImpactGuru
Crowdsourcing platform ImpactGuru has put up a fundraiser, the contributions of which will be deviated towards The Chief Minister Public Relief Fund. To make a donation, visit this.
Bengaluru-based Aahwahan Foundation has also pitched for funds on the ImpactGuru platform. The volunteers of the NGO have already started distributing food and water to the affected families. Make your contribution here.
Also read: UK-based Khalsa Aid brings hot food and clean water to people in Odisha reeling from Cyclone Fani