Minneapolis BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has provided relief aid in the aftermath of cyclones and hurricanes all across the world, from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa in India to Louisiana and Texas in the United States. In the aftermath of the 1996 cyclone that hit Andhra Pradesh, BAPS volunteers landed in the state within hours of the disaster to survey the damage and a team for relief support was on site by the next day, ready serve ten thousand families with medical attention and food supplies. Two years later in Gujarat, a relief camp staffed with forty fulltime volunteers was setup within hours of the disaster; that number grew to 70 in the immediately following days. By the end of the week, ten tons of rice, flour and grains had been distributed to victims, while medicine for diseases such as malaria and typhoid were distributed through medical clinics. Each communal living space constructed was supplied with enough gas to power 500 stoves. Indeed, these efforts crucial in preparing BAPS volunteers for the 1999 Orissa cyclone, the worst cyclone in recorded Indian history.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha organized a rehabilitation project with the Special Relief Commissioner of Orissa to rebuild villages and schools, as well as to offer care and support for livestock. In addition, BAPS set up emergency shelters where volunteers distributed food and basic necessities to victims.  BAPS Charities also assisted in relief efforts in the United States in Texas and Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In efforts recognized local officials, BAPS Charities raised funds from across the country to aid in the relief efforts while local and regional volunteers set up relief kitchens to serve hot meals throughout the day. Most recently, BAPS Charities dedicated the use of the BAPS facility in Robbinsville, New Jersey as a shelter and relief center during Hurricane Sandy.