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ORISSA - New Hope For Berampur After Cyclone Devastation....
October 29th, 1999.... A cyclone swept with unimaginable fury into the Indian State of Orissa killing tens of thousands and destroying nearly everything in its path, including Berampur Leprosy Colony which lay almost in the epicentre of the cyclone.
Berampur was lucky because it came under the umbrella of New Hope Rural Leprosy Trust run by Dr. Eliazar Rose which provides support for a number of leprosy projects and supervises aid for their patients. Dr. Rose's desperate plea for emergency aid was immediately answered by the Guild with a gift of £5000.
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Thirteen members of the Colony died and the rest were left homeless and helpless. All their meagre possessions were destroyed including their few live-stock. Amazingly, though, with the help of our gift they were able within five days to erect good shelter for 24 displaced families, provide safe drinking water and replace lost footware and crutches. No doubt much more work is needed to rebuild completely but the patients were spared the humiliation of going begging among people who had themselves lost nearly everything and they were able to keep their community intact.
As the Secretary of the Trust writes: "It is incredible that in just a few days we were able to "rehouse" 24 families in the totally destroyed Leprosy colony in which 12 men and an elderly lady perished.
It is too horrific to explain more, too sad and yet also so wonderful to see the spirit of St. Francis Leprosy Guild in action when asked in a period of deperate need. On behalf of everyone, the Trust, the Director and above all the Leprosy people, only through prayer and praise can we express our gratitude".
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Directing you to the St Francis Leprosy Guild Website, thank you for your patience.
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