The unusually intense monsoon of 2026 has left a trail of devastation across South Gujarat, severely impacting the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of Zoroastrian farming families. While the region typically receives moderate rainfall between June and mid-September, this year’s monsoon arrived late before unleashing torrential rains from 20^th to 24^th July, following heavy showers on 7^th and 8^th July, 2026.

The relentless downpour has caused widespread destruction. Several villages remain inaccessible due to damaged roads, while receding floodwaters have left behind thick layers of mud and debris. Teams of volunteers from the WZO Trust have so far managed to reach only a few affected villages and have reported extensive losses. Boundary walls and fencing around farms have been washed away, newly sown paddy fields destroyed, standing sugarcane crops swept away, recently planted mango grafts ruined, levelled fields damaged and borewells rendered unusable.

The affected villages in Vansda Taluka presently include Anklachh, Bardipada, Bejpada, Bopi, Chasmandva, Choravani, Chunawadi, Dholiumar, Khambhala, Makadban, Mankunia, Sarha, Sirishpada, Vanarasi and Vangan Vansiatalao. As assessments continue, many more affected Zoroastrian families are expected to be identified across Valsad, Surat and Bharuch districts, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood.

Over the coming days and weeks, the full extent of the devastation across Valsad, Surat and Bharuch districts will become clearer as more affected Zoroastrian villages are surveyed. Since paddy, mangoes and sugarcane are the principal crops throughout South Gujarat, similar large-scale losses are expected across the region. Massive rehabilitation support will be very essential to bring back the lives of Zoroastrians residing in the villages on an even keel.

At present it is difficult to predict the total number of villages and Zoroastrian families who have been affected by natures fury; a moderate estimate, would, at the very least be of around 300 families x Rs.50,000 per family = Rs.1,50,00,000 (in US terms Rs.150,00,000). (Pls Note: These figures are based on estimates. Rehabilitation of some families may require Rs.50,000 or less whilst others will require substantially more. The total amount of Rs.1,50,00,000 / 150,00,000 (US terms) has been estimated as a mean average.)

We look forward to magnanimous support from donors to enable us to undertake such a humongous humanitarian effort. Donations may be sent to THE WZO TRUST FUNDS as follows:

1. A)   BY DIRECT REMITTANCE IN INR FOM BANK ACCOUNT IN INDIA

NAME OF BANK: DEUTSCHE BANK

BRANCH NAME: HAZARIMAL SOMANI MARG, FORT, MUMBAI

BRANCH ADDRESS: D B House, Hazarimal Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 001

ACCOUNT TITLE: THE WZO TRUST FUNDS

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 400004256780019

ACCOUNT TYPE: SAVINGS

IFSC CODE: DEUT0784PBC

NOTE: IFSC Code (DEUT0784PBC) is common for all Branches of Deutsche Bank in India. If Khar Branch or any other Branch gets displayed while keying in this IFSC Code please go ahead and complete the online transfer

OR

By Cheque in favour of ‘The WZO Trust Funds’

(Mailing address: C-1, Hermes House, 3^rd floor, Mama Parmanand Marg, Opera House, Mumbai 400004.)

 B)   FOR REMITTANCES FROM BANK ACCOUNT OVERSEAS IN USD

      

Correspondent Bank	Bank Name	State Bank of India (New York)
	SWIFT Code	SBINUS33
For Credit To
	Bank Name	State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch
	Address	Main Branch, Parliament Street , New Delhi-110001
For Final Credit to Beneficiary	Beneficiary A/c #	40088188141
	Beneficiary Name	The WZO Trust Funds
	SWIFT Code of State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch	SBININBB104

(Please request your Bankers to mention Purpose Code P1303 – Donations to Religious and Charitable Institutions – while making remittance by SWIFT/Wire, else our account may not get credited).

We appeal to large hearted support from our esteemed donors during this time of crisis being faced by our co-religionists.

Thanking you and assuring you of our best attention and cooperation at all times.

Very Sincerely,

Dinshaw K. Tamboly,

Chairman

WZO Trust Funds