Even as increasing amounts of vital humanitarian assistance arrives in Northern India, the swollen Kosi River continues to wreak additional havoc for millions of vulnerable people. According the latest official reports, more than 3.3 million individuals have been directly impacted by unprecedented flooding in a region of India not prone to this kind of disaster. 63 lives have been lost and aid efforts remain hampered by limited access to more than 1,800 impacted villages across 16 districts in Bihar State.
Relief arriving
The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is playing an essential role in relief efforts throughout the affected region, supporting rescues, evacuations and the distribution of relief supplies such as kitchen sets, mosquito nets, and basic food supplies. They have also deployed water and sanitation units that are capable of producing 5,000 litres each per day of clean water for drinking and hygiene purposes. Trained Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers have also been distributing basic medicines and leading health education discussions in temporary camps to help reduce the risk of disease among those displaced by the floods.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is working to coordinate the procurement and delivery of 10,000 tents to affected regions. The IFRC will also support more detailed assessments of emerging humanitarian requirements in an effort to ensure that the longer term needs of displaced persons are met.
A difficult monsoon
"It is important to recognize that, while the situation in Bihar State is the focus of international attention, this year's monsoon has caused additional distress across this nation," said Peter Ophoff, Head of Delegation for the International Federation's office in New Delhi. "Across India, nearly 500,000 homes have been completely destroyed and more than 18 million people have been affected by flooding this year alone. The humanitarian needs are very, very real."
Officials in India are suggesting that flood waters may not fully recede for months to come. Villages that have been submerged may remain unreachable and those who were displaced may depend upon relief organizations for the foreseeable future.
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Flood-affected people stand on rooftops of their submerged house at village in Bihar. (REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri/courtesy www.alertnet.org)
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Flood-affected people move to safer places through floodwaters at Kalabalua village of Araria district in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. (REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri/courtesy www.alertnet.org)
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