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14 August 2002 By Jenny Iao in New Delhi, India For nearly two months since June, and once again in recent days, extensive flooding has caused widespread displacement of the population and damages to crops and infrastructure in the northern and eastern states of India. Nearly 20 million people, most of whom are already fighting against poverty, continue to reel under intense flooding in the states of Bihar and Assam. To date, 235 people have died in the floods and some 13,000 villages in 41 districts of the two states have been inundated. Thousands of families are still living in scant conditions in makeshift shelters located on river embankments, roadways or any elevated ground while some refused to flee their stranded homes. "We will have nothing to live on if we leave our home," says Upen Das. For the last two weeks, his family of six in Durnai village in Assam have been camping on the roof of their house, with only a limited supply of food, waiting for the waters to recede. "The Red Cross has been a great help to us," he says, a he receives relief supplies from Red Cross volunteers, delivered by boat. Most of his neighbours have left the village for higher grounds. Since the beginning of the floods, the Indian Red Cross was among the first to respond in rescue and relief to flood victims. While the distribution of emergency supplies is continuing in both states, a Red Cross water purification unit and a number of medical posts have also been set up in isolated places to cater for the increasing health needs. In view of the severity of the situation, two assessment teams composed of representatives from Indian Red Cross and the International Federation were conducted in Assam and Bihar. "The affected people are in a desperate situation," says Dr. Vimala Ramalingam, secretary general of the Indian Red Cross. "Although flooding is an annual event for Indians, it has wreaked havoc earlier this year and gone far beyond the normal coping capacity." Given that the rainy season normally finishes in mid-September, India is bracing itself for more flooding. To support the Indian Red Cross in its relief efforts, the International Federation is launching an appeal for 2.9 million Swiss francs to assist 200,000 people in the most affected communities with shelter, food, hygiene items, water purification tablets and basic health care over a period of six months. "Many displaced families are still struggling for a living and have little ability to prepare for the next floods. Shelter, food and medical care are the priority needs," says Dr. Vimala Ramalingam. "And the longer-term impact as a result of extensive loss of crops will require greater humanitarian intervention." Related Links: India Floods - Appeal for funds Make an Online Donation More on: Floods in South Asia |
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