Environmental Sustainability & Disaster Response
From standing by communities in natural disasters to building resilience for the future
We align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Towards this, we support communities through longer-term sustainability initiatives as well as with immediate relief in natural disasters. While our efforts in 2020-21 focussed on mitigating the impact of the nation-wide Covid crisis, we equally stood by our commitment to respond to other natural disasters across the country.
OUR DISASTER RESPONSE
EFFORTS IN 2020-21
Confronting disasters within a disaster
Communities hit by natural disasters in Covid not only grappled with an added burden, but also risked being overlooked amidst the larger focus on the pandemic.
We realised that this year, these communities needed support, more than ever. Despite the challenges of restricted supply chains and transport shutdowns, we have been standing by these groups, reaching out to them with immediate support in the aftermath of cyclones and floods.
Our gratitude to community leaders, local administration and partners for coordinating timely relief efforts.
RESTORING HOPE
IN THE CHAOS
From April 2020-June 2021, we reached out to 16,500+ disaster-hit individuals with immediate relief.
Together with our NGO partners and on-ground Self Help Groups, we stood by floods and cyclone hit communities in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Sikkim and Odisha. We provided essential supplies including tarpaulin sheets, drinking water, hygiene items, dry food items, ration packets, cooked meals and more. Our focus has been on the most vulnerable groups such as elderly, women, children and individuals with disabilities.
CYCLONE AMPHAN
May 2020
South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal
Together with the local district administration, we stepped forward to bring essential hygiene and ration supplies to those in need.
We supported community kitchens and distributed 23,800+ cooked meals over a month.
BIHAR FLOODS
July 2020
Madhubani District, Bihar
We handed over immediate survival food packages including dry ration and personal hygiene items to families in 2 blocks of Madhubani district to help vulnerable communities fight back stronger.
SIKKIM LANDSLIDE & ASSAM FLOODS
August 2020
Soreng Chakung, Sikkim & Lakhimpur District, Assam
We distributed tarpaulin sheets to communities in West Sikkim after the landslide washed away their homes.
Additionally, we provided tarpaulin sheets and ration supplies to flood affected families in remote districts of Assam.
CYCLONE YAAS
May 2021
South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal & Kendrapara District, Odisha
Together with our on-ground partners, we have distributed water purification tablets, hygiene kits, face masks, tarpaulin sheets, dry ration and more to the most vulnerable groups.
Keeping Communities Safe And Resilient
“Covid restricted me to my home leaving me no option to find work. Then the cyclone washed away my home. I was left without shelter, food and money.
Being introduced to the Joyguru Elder Self Help Group was a blessing in my life. I got free ration but most importantly felt safe and secure in their care.”
Kishore Santra, 72 years
(about Cyclone Amphan relief in Kolaghat, West Bengal)
“In the lockdown, it was hard to reach remote communities with relief supplies as transportation was severely impacted. We were also anxious about our own safety – but we knew that the need of communities was greater than our fear.”
Dibyendu Ghosh
Joint Director – Programme (WB & North East), Helpage India (about the Bihar floods)