Sewa International raises funds for Bihar flood relief

More than 3 million people have become homeless and 800 villages
destroyed in Bihar, India, since Aug. 18 when the Koshi river picked up
a channel it had abandoned over 100 years ago near the border of Nepal
and India, and broke its banks, drowning numerous townships and
villages. Nearly 95 percent of total flow of Koshi is now following
through the new course.
As support from Indian Americans is growing for the Bihar flood
victims, Houstonian Ramesh Bhutada set the ball rolling by donating
$50,000 to Sewa International USA toward Bihar flood relief. His
gesture follows a donation of Rs. 20 million made by Swami Ramdev of
Patanjali Yog Peeth. Sewa International USA is working with various
organizations
such as Sewa Bharati to provide relief to victims of the devastating fl
ood in Bihar and 3,500 dedicated volunteers are working round the clock
rescuing, distributing relief materials, providing food and essential
health care. Sewa Bharati schools in seven districts have been
converted into relief centers to provide place for people to stay and
provide food to thousands. Plans are in progress to set up relief
centers at more locations.
Sewa International USA has raised $60,000 for Bihar flood so far and
appeals to all to donate generously. Organizations like Sewa
International, Sewa Bharati, and Vanvasi
Kalyan Ashram are working together, and serving under the banner of
“Barh Rahat Sahayta Samiti” with its centre at Saharsa and “Barh Peerit
Sahayta Samiti” with its headquarters at Muzafferpur. A spokesman for
Sewa International said “We are fortunate to have a very strong force
of over 3500 dedicated volunteers involved, working round the clock
rescuing, distributing relief materials, providing food and essential
health care. We are at an advantage, in having local volunteers, who
are well aware of the topography, hence reaching far flung areas to
locate the needy people, who were waiting to be evacuated to safer
locations, in the first place and provide them with the needed help,
which other agencies involved aren’t able to reach.” “We greatly
appreciate generous donation of all so far,” said Sewa International
USA President, Gautam Desai. “This will help us accelerate our relief
effort. I am sure people affected by the flood will be grateful. But we
urge all sympathizers to contribute generously. Need for resources are
far greater since we also intend to help in rehabilitation.”

Sewa USA is a non-profi t organization with international presence. It
has over 25 years of experience and has the capability to develop
volunteers from the local population.
Sewa USA helps victims regardless of caste, class, creed, color or
religion. Sewa International USA funds project in the area of health
care, education, women empowerment, environment and disaster relief and
rehabilitation in India, USA, Caribbean countries and South America.
For more information call 510-579-4742, or visit www.sewausa.org.