[Dialogue] Kokane Update

[icabombay@igc.org]

Dear Colleagues,

Judy and Mangala went to visit Kokane and family today and here is their report.  The rains were unimaginable.  As the water started to rise, Suman put a table on the bed and put things on it, expecting the water to come up only a few inches into the house.  But in less than an hour it had risen so fast that all they could do is grab a couple of things and escape to the flat above.  They did rescue the TV, but almost everything else was covered by almost 8 feet of water.  Others in nearby flats were even worse off.  Their clothes can be eventually cleaned, but most everything else is a complete loss.  The water left mud almost a foot thick on the floor and it wasn't just dirt with a penetrating odor.  We have had some donations from here and the ICA:India is going to give several hundred dollars worth of Rupees.  Several colleagues have indicated they would like to help and I have sent them details of how that can be done.  If any others would like to contribute just let me know and I'll share the details of how to route money.

Hiraman does not have an email account, but anyone who would like to send a personal message just mail it to me (<icabombay at igc.org> and I'll see that he gets it.  When he has time from the cleaning chore I'm sure he will want to thank all of you who helped with a message that I'll pass on.

Thanks again for your care.

G&P,

Jack & Judy Gilles