Following the widespread destruction by Cyclone Idai – the worst humanitarian disaster in the southern hemisphere – Morari Bapu has led a flood appeal to help the region recover from the disaster. Cyclone Idai has affected millions of people across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The biggest impact in the aftermath has been the increased risk of cholera, malaria and typhoid due to poor sanitary conditions in the region.
To help with the relief efforts, Bapu has commissioned “God My Silent Partner” Foundation – led by devotee Ramesh Sachdev - to support flood campaigns in the region. The appeal inspired by Bapu has contributed £20,000 to the Malawi Hindu Seva Mandal, £20,000 to the relief campaign in Mozambique and £16,000 to the least affected area in Zimbabwe.
Bapu’s contribution reflects his core teachings of “Truth, Love and Compassion”. This follows Bapu’s belief that we are all citizen of one family and that people have a responsibility to support anyone across the world, particularly during a natural calamity such as this.
The Hindu community in Malawi has played a leading role in the flood efforts in Blantyre. Since the disaster, the Malawi Hindu Seva Mandal donated millions of items, including bags of flour, blankets, soya pieces, cooking oil, salt, beans and buckets for households. The Hindu Mandal said that they feel duty bound to help and support the relief efforts in their adopted homeland.
The relief efforts in Mozambique and Zimbabwe are both being coordinated by the UK based charity United Purpose. The charity is renowned for spending only a mere 4% on overheads – meaning that 96% of all money goes straight to the people.
Speaking to Asian Voice following the appeal, Lord Dolar Popat – Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda - said, “I am immensely proud of the global effort to support Southern Africa. The UK was one of the first countries to respond to this disaster. Bapu’s appeal will support charities on the ground to continue their humanitarian relief providing access to life-saving essentials, including food, water and shelter.”
Cyclone Idai remains one of the biggest natural disasters to ever hit the region. After the announcement, Bapu extended his heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers for their efforts on the ground in helping the victims.
