HOUSTON: In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Greater Houston area, the Indian community contributed immensely in the rescue and relief operations offered by public and private agencies. SEWA International Houston's President Gitesh Desai has been leading relief efforts despite his own house being partially submerged in water.
The organisation began to prepare for the hurricane's arrival in the region, and put together teams when the storm made landfall in Rockport. Several Indian businesses and places of worship also initiated efforts, opening their doors to shelter the displaced. Indian restaurants and families have been providing packets of fresh Indian meals. Rescue and aid came in innovative methods, as Masala Radio's Sunil Thakkar used his radio station to provide directions about where people can go for help.
When 250 students were stranded at an apartment complex near the University of Houston, without food, water or electricity, members of the Graduates Indian Students joined forces to move them to the 2nd floor. They were however, unable to deliver food due to heavy flooding. President of the group, Ravi Shankar contacted Houston's Consul General of India Dr. Anupam Ray, who reached out to various agencies for help.
Also, Hare Krishna Temple and Govinda's Restaurant reached out to area residents offering food to the needy. Govinda's manager and ISKCON Temple President Syamasundar Das said, “ISKCON has a long history of service in disaster relief efforts globally so even though we are not fully prepared, still we feel urgently compelled to start now. We have gas stoves and we requested people to bring their own containers for a fresh hot meal. We will expand our services as the need arises.”
Several major Indian organisations such as Hindus of Greater Houston, India House, India Culture Center, the Indo American Charity Foundation, Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, and the Indo American Political Action Committee have decided to coordinate the relief efforts of the Indian community through SEWA International. On August 28, volunteers served hot meals to120 students at the University of Houston and delivered meals to local community members. They will continue to prepare hot meals for first responders and community member.
Death toll in the hurricane that lashed through Texas has risen to 46. However, it has also been reported that areas like Houston and other areas like record flooding has begun entering the recovery phase. Governor Greg Abbott said, “This is going to be a massive, massive cleanup process. People need to understand this is not going to be a short-term project. This is going to be a multi-year project for Texas to be able to dig out of this catastrophe.”
The two Indian students who nearly drowned in a swollen lake have been reported dead. Nikhil Bhatia, 24, was rescued from Lake Byan along with another Indian girl Shalini Singh. While Bhatia died in a hospital on August 30, Singh continued to be in a critical condition until she was declared dead on September 3. Friends and some witnesses said both of them were swimming in the lake when a sudden current of water pushed them deeper. Those accompanying the two saw them in distress and flagged down nearby police officers. They were provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the victims until medics arrived.
