Art of Living Kuwait. Service

In August 2006, heavy floods ravaged the city of Surat in the western Indian state of Gujarat, claiming the lives of hundreds and affecting thousands more. Water levels were as high as a staggering 22 feet in some parts of the city, causing an estimated economic loss in excess of US $500 million.

Relief Camps
More than 1,500 volunteers worked together, resulting in wide-spread distribution of drinking water (600,000 pouches), milk (3,500 litres), food (4 tonnes) and medical supplies. The conditions were often treacherous, with volunteers having to wade through chest deep water at times.The Art of Living volunteers worked closely with local government officials, the army, other NGOs and service organizations, to extend assistance to the affected, including individuals trapped in remote areas.

Medical Camps
82 medical camps have been established throughout the city, especially in the severely affected regions of Rander, Varachha, Anand School and Simada Gaon, providing aid to more than 11,000 individuals. The Art of Living volunteers are also assisting Civil Hospital Doctors and the Red Cross.Now, with the flood waters receding, health officials are on alert with the possibility of a plague outbreak (like that which occurred after the 1994 Surat floods.) The Art of Living volunteers are working in conjunction with the Surat Municipal Corporation to urgently clean up flood affected areas.