On 25th of May, 2009 the AILA cyclone hit the coastal areas of West Bengal and Orissa, causing a trail of devastation around the two states. The deadly storm, accompanied by heavy rain not only crippled normal life but many people lost their lives and more than 100,000 were affected. Airport operations in Kolkata had come to a halt as several flights were were diverted to other airports. Thousands of big trees were uprooted, electric wires and posts were ruined, buildings collapsed, the roads were flooded and blocked – traffic continued to stand still – life was paralyzed.
Nonadanga, a colony of marginalized – evicted population in Kolkata where The Hope Foundation along with HIVE India have been desperately trying to bring in some happiness in the life of its residents, was completely destroyed. Hundreds of huts were damaged, residents were surrounded by knee deep water, the school tent was ruined – older people and little children were severely injured. There was complete scarcity of food, water, shelter and any kind of communication or transportation in the area.
The team of HIVE India and Hope Foundation, immediately organized themselves into special volunteer groups and began their rescue operation. Dry food, tarpaulins, water and medical aid reached the victims at the earliest and the team rescued people who were trapped under the debris and also had to cut the uprooted trees to reopen the blocked roads. The relentless operation continued for three consecutive days and life was able to be brought back to normal, soon after. Few relief operation pictures are located here
