Dozens of Sikh temples in California opened their doors to over 180,000 residents of Northern California after they had to be evacuated following the erosion in the emergency spillway of Lake Oroville dam.
"We announced that if anybody needs help, medical help, or anything we are open," said Ranjeet Singh, the manager of the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh temple in West Sacramento, California told .
"People started to come here Sunday night and more than 200 people were here," he said.
Thousands of residents from Yuba, Butte and Sutter were told to leave their homes immediately on Sunday due to fears of possible failure of the dam’s emergency spillway that developed a giant sinkhole.
Source: AAP
Mayor of Sacramento city Darrel Steinberg informed the evacuees that they could seek help at the Sikh temples in the area.
“Sikh Temples in Sacramento region are open for people evacuated around . Am told they have food ready & all in need are welcome,” he tweeted along with a list of the Gurudwaras.
Dr Gurtej S. Cheema of Sacramento’s Capital Sikh Centre told that after the evacuation orders, members of the gurudwara delivered enough bedding for 50 people to spend the night at the temple. They also prepared hot tea and meals for evacuees to eat once they arrive.
With the water level dropping, some evacuees began to head back on Tuesday. But the gurudwaras are prepared to host the needy for longer.
"We don't know how long they are going to be staying here. It depends on their situations. We welcome everyone for as long as they want to stay here," Ranjeet Singh told CNN.
