Devastating Cyclonic storm, Aila

A devastating cyclonic storm named "Aila" passed over South Bengal with wind speed of over 100kms/hour. In the city of Kolkata, life was brought to a standstill with falling trees, blocked streets and thunder showers, but the effect was devastating in the coastal areas of South 24 Parganas and Medinipore Districts. We have just received reports from one of our sister organisations whom many of you visited located in Sunderbans, the rainforest area bordering Bangladesh. So far over 200.000 people have been rendered without shelter as their huts were blown away, standing crops damaged and their livestock swept away. Over 29 death reports have come in so far. The West Bengal government have started relief operations, but the district authorities have appealed to CINI to complement their activities. A relief team from CINI is on its way to the cyclone affected villages in Sunderbans with shelter materials, medicines and food supplies. We appeal to all our friends to donate generously to make our relief effort a success. You can donate online at click here We will keep you updated on this site with photos and reports as they come in.