Natural Disasters
'Untouchable’ communities, already on the edge of society, are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The loss of homes, family members and the destruction of local economies can be devastating to those with little means to rebuild their lives. Caste-discrimination can be particularly telling at such times, often resulting in emergency aid not reaching ‘low’ caste communities.
Since 1993 Karuna has been responding to the plight of these communites in earthquake damaged regions. To further longer term recovery Karuna funds educational hostels for children, many of whom are orphans. The hostels provide accommodation while students attend local schools. Trained staff provide support for children coming to terms with their trauma.
Surekha Jahdav, joined a Karuna hostel when her mother and brother were killed by the Latur earthquake.
“When we first came from the village, the hostel wardens gave us so much love to take our minds off what had happened to our families. They looked after us very well and we soon started going to the nearby school.”