Amid what feels like a never-ending hurricane season, with effects seen all around the Gulf coast, Florida and Atlanta with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Katie, Jose and Maria — the season marked its statistical peak on September 10. Harvey came ashore and is classified as one of the fiercest hurricanes to hit the U.S. in 13 years and the strongest to strike Texas since 1961. Harvey ties for the 18th spot as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. Harvey made landfall late Friday, September 8th night about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi as a Category 4 storm with 130-175 mph winds. Hurricane Harvey delivered a path of damage, destruction and flooding unloading over 50 inches of rain, making President Donald J. Trump sign a federal disaster declaration for American coastal counties on Friday night.
A week before Hurricane Harvey struck, torrential monsoon rains paralyzed India’s financial capital Mumbai for two consecutive days, as the streets turned into rivers and people waded through waist-deep waters. On Tuesday August 29th, Mumbai received about 5 inches of rain, a huge amount to a city which to begin with has poor infrastructure. Public transport stopped and thousands of commuters were stranded in their offices overnight. Thirty-four people died as buildings collapsed due to heavy rains.
At Katalyst we initiated a company-wide effort to raise funds to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and torrential rains in Mumbai. The initiative matched dollar to dollar for all employee contributions. Katalyst is partnering with Red Cross to help in the relief efforts of both Hurricane Harvey and torrential rains in Mumbai. Red Cross is an international organization and works around the clock to support those whose lives have been destroyed by these disasters. The Red Cross is one of the largest responders and handles all emergency situations, whether it’s small house fires or multi-state natural disasters. The Red Cross goes wherever they’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most. We are happy and fortunate to contribute towards Red Cross relief efforts towards Hurricane Harvey and Mumbai torrential rains.
Katalyst is delighted to contribute $5,000 and INR 100,000 to the American Red Cross and the Indian Red Cross Society, keeping all those affected in our prayers.
Thanks to each one of those Katalyst family members who have generously contributed towards the relief efforts!!!
