The Salesian Province of Bangalore, which covers the two most southerly states of India, Kerala and Karnataka, are continuing to respond to the needs of people during the pandemic, as the numbers affected by coronavirus increase. In an update to our Province, Fr Payyamthadathil George SDB writes, "mostly due to inter-state travel by migrants and inflow of those who were stranded abroad, thousands of people are in and around the Bangalore City Railway station, waiting for an opportunity to catch the train to their destinations." The Salesians are doing all they can to fill gaps in government planning and organisation to provide basic accommodation, cooked food and snacks to these stranded travellers.

So far, across the Province, over 250,000 face masks have been distributed, and 21,400 essential grocery kits have been delivered to families, which have helped to feed more than 87,000 people. Cooked meals have been provided to over 114,000 people, mainly in Karnataka State, including meals for almost 60,000 migrants.

Fr George writes that, in the coming days, Salesians in Kerala and Karnataka are further increasing their efforts to reach those who still desperately need support for their survival.

At present, over 100 people are being quarantined in second Salesian institution requisitioned by the Government in Yadagiri, in the north of Karnataka. Fr George writes, "We have now the added responsibility to make sure that they are tested negative and spreading of the Covid-19 is prevented. Every effort is put in at this point of crisis in order to save as many lives as possible."

Despite their own difficult situation in Bangalore, Fr George expresses his concern for all of us in the UK and assures us of his prayers. Please pray for the Salesians in India and the people they help.

If you would like to make a donation to support the efforts of the Salesians in Bangalore in combatting COVID-19 and its effects, please contact our Finance Manager, Nicola Howell on nicola.howell@salesians.org.uk.