iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
As the war in Ukraine seems to escalate to new heights, hundreds of thousands of citizens, and immigrants especially are trying to flee the country in any way possible.
Governments around the world are doing their best to extract their citizens stranded in Ukraine. in addition to that many NGOs have stepped in to get as many people out of the country as possible.
Sewa International in the US has started a helpline to assist stranded international students, arranging transportation to the nearest border post, and providing food and shelter during their journey.
According to the Hindu faith-based charitable non-profit, over 4,000 students have already registered on Sewa International’s helpline and the Sewa volunteers are in touch with another 400 people to help them evacuate.
Sewa Europe and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) are also working on the ground in 10 Ukrainian cities to assist those affected by the war.
“On Feb. 26, 2022, Sewa Europe helped a group of 150 students to travel from Vinnitsa to Chernovtsy by bus. At Chernovtsy Sewa provided them shelter, food, and transport for their onward journey to the Romanian border,” said the non-profit in a press release.
“Sewa International is immediately releasing $10,000 for the Ukrainian relief efforts and started a Facebook fundraising campaign to help people who are threatened by this humanitarian crisis. The messages and videos we are getting from the war zone show the fear, anxiety, and danger people are facing as they run to safety. As the global Sewa network rises to face this challenge, I request people to support Sewa International in this rescue effort,” Arun Kankani, President, Sewa International, USA said.
“The war between Russia and Ukraine has affected all people in the region and caused serious distress in a world that is still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sewa International in the USA, and, HSS volunteers in Europe, the US, and India are receiving hundreds of messages seeking help from people who are stuck in the war zone,” he said.
Sewa Europe has released an evacuation checklist to advise people about the most essential items to carry. It lists passport and visa documents, flashlight, five liters of drinking water, matchbox, winter jacket, sleeping bag, dry fruits and snacks, and COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
According to the latest information, a total of 1,396 Indian nationals have been brought back from Ukraine in six evacuation flights.
Those seeking to register for assistance can click here. More details related to Sewa’s Ukraine relief efforts can be found here.
