Paula Alvarado, IFRC, New Delhi
The death toll from flash floods and landslides sparked by heavy monsoon rains on 6 August in Ladakh, a predominantly Buddhist region in the Jammu and Kashmir state, may rise further with hundreds still missing. The onset of winter in the coming weeks has made relief efforts to cut-off villages even more urgent.
“Access to some villages remains difficult and only reachable by foot,” says India Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Agarwal on his way back from Leh after a second visit to the area. “It is a worrying situation, especially with winter arriving in a few weeks.”
At least 190 people have been killed. Officials estimate that 80 per cent of Ladakh's infrastructure has been partially damaged or totally destroyed. Thousands of soldiers have been taking part in the relief efforts by evacuating residents, clearing main roads, restoring telecommunication links, establishing relief camps and distributing aid.
Since the flooding first began, the Indian Red Cross Society has been closely working with the government – through the ministry of health – to respond to the emergency. A team of staff and volunteers has been on the ground since the disaster began.
And now another step forward has been made: two water purification units are operational. The water purification units will provide clean water to thousands and will stay in the area for the coming months.
“The scattered houses, the rough terrain, plus the turbidity of the water, have made it very challenging to install the units, which are now operational and providing much-needed clean drinking water,” says Dr Agarwal.
The Indian Red Cross Society has dispatched supplies of kitchen sets, blankets, rubber boots and tents to Leh with the support of the national airline and the Indian air force. These relief supplies are being distributed to remote areas with the help of the local Red Cross branches and volunteers. In a joint and well-coordinated operation, the district administration has also provided warehouses and trucks for the transportation and storage of relief supplies.
Waseem, a young man from Srinagar, has worked as a volunteer in the Leh relief operation since day one. He was in Leh when the disaster struck.
“My team and I dug people out of the debris, administered first aid to the injured, and we are now involved in relief distribution and installation of water purification units,” he said. “I am happy I have been able to put my training into action, and now I truly know the meaning of humanity.”
“The quick reaction of the Indian Red Cross Society disaster response teams and volunteers – who rapidly provided vital support to those affected by the floods – demonstrates the positive impact of the investment made by the Indian Red Cross Society in its disaster management training,” explains John Roche, head of the IFRC’s India delegation.
The situation for thousands of people who have lost homes, livelihoods and possessions remains precarious and relief efforts must be scaled up to meet the growing humanitarian needs. There is also an urgent need to start planning medium- and longer-term rehabilitation for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
One of the biggest challenges will be the need to reconstruct people's homes before the region's harsh winter season begins.