Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Om Sri Sai Ram.

Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti's southern peninsula on 5th October 2016 with winds of over 225 kilometres per hour, leaving over 900 dead. Over one million people are affected by this massive storm. The worst hit area was the southern peninsula where there was catastrophic damage with destruction of most of the homes, similar to the devastating earthquake of 2010. There was widespread agricultural damage with severe food and water shortages. The situation is extremely difficult for those who survived. Many cases of cholera have already been reported and the situation is expected to get worse.  Safe drinking water is needed immediately.  After almost one month of this natural disaster, electricity has not yet been restored in most areas.

In the town of Jérémie, the SSSIO Disaster Relief Coordinator of Zone 2A, Mr. Oskar Dorta surveyed the damage and found that people were desperate for food and potable water and in dire need of help.  The SSSIO plans to start providing humanitarian relief immediately. SSSIO volunteer, Mr. Carlos Suarez of Mexico will coordinate the purchase, transportation and distribution of food, water and supplies directly to needy families.

Those who wish to participate in this relief effort may click view this document for further instructions. The SSSIO Humanitarian Relief website also provides updates about on-going relief activities and opportunities for participation in these noble service activities.

Let us all pray to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to shower His divine blessings on those afflicted by this natural disaster and to relieve their suffering.

Jai Sai Ram.
Lovingly in the Service of Sai,
Dr. Narendranath Reddy
Chairman, Prasanthi Council