Kerala, India Flooding Disaster

Two of our Sister's families at Our Lady of Grace have been affected by two weeks of horrible rain storms back in August.  Although they have never asked for anyone to help them, we as a family at OLOG want to help their families. 

The international media has called it the worst flood of the century in the region. After more than two weeks of relentless rain, Kerala, a state at the southern tip of India, known internationally for its scenic green landscapes, touristic spots and backwaters, is left with over 1 million people in relief camps and close to 400 reported dead.  The number of casualties is expected to be much higher, as many areas still remain inaccessible.  The total destruction of roads, bridges and railway systems has made it almost impossible to reach the victims with food, clean water and other essentials.


Here is a quote from one of our sisters:
“In August, I traveled home to visit my family after a long time. I was desperate to get home because in March this year my mother was diagnosed with cancer and I just wanted to be with her. Being a kindergarten teacher and studying—I am working towards a degree in early childhood development—it’s difficult for me to travel. It is already hard enough being so far away, but knowing my mom was sick made it even harder. On August 16th, the day I was supposed to return to the US, disaster struck. I remember the water coming into my family home. It is only one story, so there was nowhere for us to go. The water came in and took everything away from us. It was a very, very sad tragedy. The water in my house was up to my neck. My brother took me on his shoulders and carried me to a boat that took me to the convent that was on higher ground. It took three hours. My mother and father were taken to my sister’s house. I just remember people everywhere, searching for a way out, heartbroken to  leave their homes.”