India floods threaten millions
11 August 2000

In response to extensive flooding in North East India, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched a request for assistance for 6 million Swiss francs. Funds raised will be used to provide 200,000 flood victims food items such as rice as well as water purification tablets and blankets.

An assessment team is travelling to the hardest hit areas of Assam this weekend where tens of thousands of people living in remote villages are cut off from the outside world. They have been without food or even the most rudimentary medical care for the past week.

"If aid doesn't reach them soon, we may begin to see serious malnutrition and waterborne diseases," says Geoffrey Dennis, head of the Federation's delegation in South Asia. "We expect further flooding in coming weeks and need to work fast," he adds. The Indian Red Cross Society has been active in the relief effort. Red Cross volunteers are distributing aid and organising temporary accommodation for the homeless.

Logistical difficulties have hampered relief activities. Access to many of the worst affected villages has been impossible as roads and bridges have been damaged and some areas remain submerged. The Red Cross teams have difficulties to reach thousands of people marooned in their villages or on river embankments. .

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

Patrick Fuller, Information Delegate, New Delhi, Tel +91 11 685 86 71, Mobile +91 981 0099 794

Solveig Olafsdottir, Information Officer, Mobile +41 79 217 3372

Media Service, Geneva, Tel +41 22 730 4570, Mobile +41 79 416 3881

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.