News of Coronavirus in Rewalsar
During the current Coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdown we have been keeping in touch with the situation in Rewalsar and have been getting regular updates from Karma Tenzin who is our main contact and the person who distributes the sponsorship money for us. He knows the Tibetan community in Rewalsar very well and, over the years, has always been excellent at keeping us informed of their needs.
From his updates we've learnt that the banks and shops are now only open for two hours a day and so people have to queue for everything. Traffic between towns has stopped and you need permission from the police to go to Mandi, the nearest town, to pick up more provisions. Lots of things like milk and vegetables are just not available in the local shops and prices are greatly inflated, some items selling at four times the usual price. |
A few days ago, Karma Tenzin said that some funds to buy supplies to distribute to people in need would be very helpful so we arranged for an immediate transfer of £300 from our contingency fund. Karma Tenzin has now bought food and other essential items from the suppliers he uses for his cafe and just today he got permission to take up milk and vegetable supplies to the nuns and monks living in the caves above Rewalsar where conditions now are quite difficult. (see photos below)
We are appealing for contributions both to cover our emergency payment of £300 and hopefully build up some extra reserves in case of further need in the immediate and longer term. We would be very grateful if you could help by giving what you can towards this worthy cause. |