Photo by : Amanda Kne
One Sikh and three other South Asian homes have been burnt down, over 50 Sikh families and the Sikh Gurdwara at Poway were evacuated and the Sikh holy scriptures taken to a safe place
San Diego, California – United Sikhs geared up its relief efforts yesterday by deploying volunteers of its Sikh Aid team to assess the needs in the evacuated areas since the fast moving fires started in South California last weekend.
“FEMA is in the process of setting up their command centers and we have contacted their California representative, John Chavez, to offer assistance in the relief operations,” said Kuldip Singh, United Sikhs director.
“We urge volunteers to register with us to help in the rehabilitation efforts. We also seek donations to help us execute the rehabilitation program,” Kuldip Singh added.
United Sikhs is coordinating with FEMA officials, NYDIS, the Red Cross and other agencies to assess requirements.
Mark Cooley, the Red Cross in-charge of shelter homes said that over 900 evacuees in shelter homes need the following urgently:
1. 1000 Cots
2. 10,000 – Masks
3. Water Supply
4. Trash Bags
5. Medical Supplies
6. Doctors for evacuees
7. Veterinary doctors for pets
8. School Teachers for kids in shelter home
9. Trauma Counselors
More than a quarter-million people were urged to flee their homes across Southern California on Monday as wildfires blown by fierce desert winds raced over the landscape with terrifying speed.
In San Diego County, 500 homes and 100 businesses have already been destroyed by fire. More than a dozen wildfires have hit Southern California, killing at least one person, injuring dozens more and threatening scores of structures
"We have more houses burning than we have people and engine companies to fight them," San Diego Fire Captain Lisa Blake said. "A lot of people are going to lose their homes."
Wildfires continue to rage across south California while fire fighters continue to control the fire. Four fire-fighters are reported injured Sunday battling the Harris Fire. Over 1000 homes have been destroyed in several cities around San Diego by Rice Fire ( Hwy 15 and 79), San Marcos (Hwy 76 and 78), Palomar Fire (Hwy 79), Wilo Animal Park, Witch Fire, Descanso Fire, Harris Ranch Fire
The Sikh Aid team lead by Kuldip Singh, Shivesh Sudhanshu and Jyoti Mohapatra visited Mira Mesa High School, which has been turned into an evacuation center on the Mira Mesa Blvd.
LueAnn, Grosdidier, 51 resident of Rancho Bernado shared her tragic experience of evacuation on Monday morning with her husband Bob, 55 and 2 pets: “Police came and asked for a mandatory evacuation.
“We took 2 bags, a laptop, camera, a pillow and some medications and drove to Mira Mesa. We saw black ash and damaged property on our way. Our Lawn furniture and Trees were damaged by heavy winds. We appreciate how people are coming together serving and loving each other” she said.
The Sikh Gurdwara, at 12269 Oak Knoll Rd, Poway, was evacuated Monday morning. We learnt from the Gurdwara Secretary, Gurinder Singh, that five swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Scriptures) were safely taken to the residence of Hirdyapal Singh, Carmel Valley, CA.
One Sikh family and 3 other South Asian families have lost their home in Rancho Bernado and over 50 Sikh families are reported evacuated from Poway, Rancho Barnado, 4S Ranch, Saber Springs, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Panasquitos, Carmel Valley, Escondido, Olivenhein, Rancho Santa Fee, Encinitas, Chula Vista, East Lake, Ramona.
The Sikh Aid team met over 9 evacuated families in Del Mar at the residence of Guljar Singh, Chairman of Gurudwara Sahib San Diego, CA.
Jagjit Singh Dhesi, 56, resident of Poway, San Diego since 1974, President of Gurudwara San Diego, explained his evacuation in the middle of the night with his wife, son and parents: “Eight houses in Bridle Wood country estates were burnt when we left. I don’t know yet what has happened to our house. The Fire started from Witch Creek in east and moved to Ramona. High winds gutted the residential area” Mr. Jagjit Singh Dhesi added.
Dr. Harjot Singh Gill and Dr Jasbir Singh Deol, who both run Animal Hospitals, had to pack their bags and leave their homes. “We had 5 families at our place one night. In the morning there was a mandatory evacuation in our area and we had to move out with our guests to Del Mar” said Dr. Gill.
“We appeal to United Sikhs and the Sikh community for relief efforts in the area. We need Trauma Counseling, help with evacuation and resettlement. We have not assessed the damages yet and its hard to say what is needed. More people are affected than the 2003 wildfire in the area” said Jagjit Singh Dhesi.
If you wish to donate please go to www.unitedsikhs.org/donate.
If you wish to volunteer please email volunteer@unitedsikhs.org.
