Gospel for Asia rushes aid to India cyclone victims

About 120 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured after a deadly cyclone struck in the Indian states of West Bengal and Bihar on Tuesday.

Gospel for Asia is rushing aid to the affected areas where thousands reportedly have been left homeless by the 100 mph winds.

“We have reports that there is no more room left in the hospitals to care for the wounded,” said Gospel for Asia President Dr KP Yohannan.

Gospel for Asia Compassion Services Teams are taking emergency relief supplies to the people in the cyclone-hit areas. They will be handing out food, medical supplies, clothing and other household items.

“Ever since the 2004 Asian Tsunami, we have been training our teams to respond so that suffering people can be helped,” Dr Yohannan said.

“We don’t see it as a burden. We see it as an opportunity for these hurting people to experience Christ’s love. Tens of thousands are hearing the Good News that Jesus cares as we come to their aid.”

According to media sources, the cyclone ripped through more than 100,000 houses in Bihar’s Araria, Purnia, Katihar and Kishanganj districts and Bengal’s North Dinajpur and Jalpaiguri districts. Authorities there say the death toll is likely to go up.

Bengal Civil Defence minister Srikumar Mukherji said many were found dead in the rubble of 50,000 houses that were damaged in the storm.

“Hundreds of people have been hospitalised with severe injuries,” he added.

Once the emergency needs are met, GFA says it will turn its attention to helping the people rebuild their homes.

“It’s a foregone conclusion that we will continue working to help the suffering people find shelter and rebuild their homes,” Dr Yohannan said.

The teams assisting with the relief effort are working out of a Gospel for Asia-supported Bible college in the heart of the affected area. Surprisingly, the school did not sustain any damage.

Meanwhile, TV news reports in neighbouring Bangladesh reports of dozens being killed and many others trapped as a result of the storm. Medical and food supplies have been rushed to the victims.

In May last year more than 155 people were killed by Cyclone Aila, which hit West Bengal and Bangladesh.