August, 2017
An unprecedented Category 4 hurricane (Hurricane Harvey) has devastated much of the coastal and eastern areas in Texas, USA, with catastrophic flooding conditions and 54 counties impacted. As of now, eight fatalities have been reported, an estimated 8,000 people are already evacuated into shelters and an estimated 30,000 are likely to be displaced from their homes as the waters continue to rise. Forecasts indicate that another wave of rains and floods may cross the area again within the next few days, making an already dire situation, even worse.
By Swami’s Grace, local members of the SSIO are in good health and with supplies on-hand, although many continue to be confined to their homes due to the water levels. Some Sathya Sai doctors are working tirelessly to serve the victims of the disaster, at hospitals. Presently, the National Disaster Relief Team and the Texas Team of the SSIO-USA are already coordinating efforts with the national and international Sathya Sai Organisations. We are assessing the situation and we will soon update you on how we can best serve our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has told us that sincere prayer is one of the most effective ways to assuage the grief and suffering of victims of natural disasters. Let us all pray together to Swami to shower His divine blessings on our brothers and sisters afflicted by this hurricane.