Help recovery from Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal

Your donations received so far have been invaluable in the recovery in West Bengal. It has meant our team have been able to venture into communities that otherwise had no support and they have idintified further work with women and girls to decrease gender violence. All funds that go to the recovery from the Cyclone have supported rations, structural recovery and work to support women and children at risk. Unfortunately, with the dual crisis of the pandemic and the societal effects of lockdowns, the medium-term recovery continues and needs are still high. 

Project Leader Mina writes:

“Unfortunately following Cyclone Amphan and the societal effects of COVID-19, life on the coastal area is very difficult for many people. Despite some Government support, there are many ruined houses where the support has not reached.

At times of great difficulty and increase social tension, violence against women and girls surge drastically; whereas the cases of child marriage, trafficking and school dropouts had also increased by leaps and bounds. It is not that such things have only taken place in recent times but undoubtedly it has increased to the extreme level, post-Amphan. Therefore we don’t only work in the field to support people during natural calamity, but we also fight against the social injustice of gender violence.

One photo shows how men have made a boat out of polystyrene (Thermocol ) and Mosquito nets; incredibly dangerous if it were to capsize. They are sailing in the Hatania Doania River (one of the tributaries of Bay of Bengal), which is famous for crocodiles; unfortunately this risk- to catch fish to survive- is a common occurrence.”

Despite the challenging situation and struggles into the immediate future, your support is invaluable and is paving the way to recovery. Thank you.