In April 2022, days of heavy rain across KwaZulu-Natal in southeastern South Africa led to deadly floods. Particularly hard-hit were areas in and around Durban. The torrential rains destroyed or damaged several thousand homes, washed away roads, and triggered mudslides, causing more than 450 deaths across the province. Critical infrastructure including water treatment plants and electrical systems were badly damaged. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, many communities experienced a severe shortage of water and food.
Inspired by the words of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, viz: “In the joy of others lies our own”, BAPS Charities rallied to support the victims of this catastrophe.
More than 200 hampers of groceries, blankets and bottles of water were distributed to the local areas of Chatsworth, Tongaat, Verulam, Cato Crest, Isipingo and Phoenix areas. To assist in the critical shortage of water, 5000 litre water tanks have been installed at various strategic locations for the community to have access to water.
Sponsorship of groceries was made to a partner organization, “Food for Life”, which enabled more than 92,000 plates of food to be cooked and served. These grocery items included 2.5 tons of rice, 1.4 tons of mixed beans and 4.8 tons of Pasta.
