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Kerala Floods

Aug 30, 2018

The floods in Kerala in the southern state of India have wrought over 400 victims and displaced about 1.4 million. The Focolare has activated the emergency procedure for those who wish to offer a contribution.

A great number of displaced people waiting to return to their homes still submerged by the devastating floods, has in the meantime been gathered in 3,800 relief camps. The rescue and aid operations are brought ahead amid great difficulties due to the inaccessibility of some zones. In some cases, water and food have been launched from helicopters, given that roads and bridges have been destroyed. The local communities of the Focolare have written: “We’ve just returned from the Mariapolis (at about 300 km from Kerala) held with the members of the Word of Life groups scattered within a range of 120 km. Our hearts are with the people of Kerala which has been destroyed by the strong rains. We are still in the monsoon season, and the hot winds provoke these tropical typhoons. As far as we know, the members of the Movement are safe. A retreat had been programmed for the priests in Trivandrum (south Kerala), but it had to be cancelled since it is not safe to travel and many priests are involved in the tragedy. In the weekend, our local communities will be involved in gathering foodstuff and prime commodities to be sent to the stricken areas. We count on your prayers.” Also Pope Francis prayed for the victims and that “our solidarity and concrete support for the community will not be lacking.”

The following accounts were created for those who wish to donate:

Azione per un Mondo Unito ONLUS (AMU – Action for a United World) Azione per Famiglie Nuove ONLUS (AFN – Action for New Families)
IBAN: IT58 S050 1803 2000 0001 1204 344 at Banca Popolare Etica IBAN: IT55 K033 5901 6001 0000 0001 060 at Banca Prossima
SWIFT/BIC code: CCRTIT2T SWIFT/BIC code: BCITITMX
Description of payment: Kerala Emergency (India)
The contributions paid in the two accounts with this payment description will be managed jointly by AMU and AFN. Tax reliefs are provided for such donations in many EU countries and in other countries in the world, according to diverse local norms.

 

 

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