Drought threatens millions in South Asia
7 July 2000

Severe drought is threatening the livelihood of more than 3.5 million people in South Asia, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. With seasonal rains failing in successive years, ground table waters have reached an all time low.

Tens of thousands of farmers and nomads living in western India, and in south western and south eastern Pakistan, have no access to fresh water, resulting in crop failure and the loss of livestock. Unless there is enough rainfall in the next few years, ground water levels will recede even further.

"This is a disaster which will not go away. We fear the situation will only get worse, and more people will suffer," says Geoffrey Dennis, Head of the Federation's South Asia Regional Delegation in New Delhi. "We will not let that happen. We hope that by addressing the problem now, we can alleviate the effects of severe droughts in the region in coming years."

An appeal for 5.6 million Swiss francs has been launched to immediately help 80,000 people in India and Pakistan for the next six months, and funds will be used to strengthen local branches so that the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies can respond effectively and rapidly to the drought if it worsens.

The Federation has already released 150,000 Swiss francs from its disaster relief emergency fund to carry out relief operations in India and Pakistan. The disaster is affecting 11 of 27 states in India, with Gujurat and Rajasthan being the worst hit. Farmers have lost both their income and seed stocks, causing increased debt. The Indian Red Cross Society branches are providing those in need with food, medical support, and animal fodder. The Federation, in cooperation with the Indian Red Cross, will distribute food and seeds to around 30,000 drought victims who have no access to governmental aid.

Baluchistan and Sindh provinces are the worst drought stricken regions in Pakistan. Nomadic communities in these provinces have been most severely affected, suffering up to 70 percent loss of their herds. There has been little or no reproduction of livestock since September last year, depriving the nomads of their staple diet of dairy products and their main source of income. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society, together with the Federation, will be distributing food to 50,000 people in the two provinces.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Solveig Olasfdottir, Information Officer (41 22) 730 4296
Geoffrey Dennis, Head of Regional Delegation, New Delhi, Tel +9111 685 86 71

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 176 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering.
The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.