The flood situation in Assam continues to be serious with the current death toll standing at 60 and more than 2,000 villages inundated as rivers broke their banks. Reports are indicating that this is the worst disaster in over a decade with about 2 million people impacted.
World Vision is strategically positioned to respond to this disaster and support communities to rebuild in the flood devastated areas. Its initial response is focusing on two impacted communities in Dhemaji and Amri, where its development programmes have been affected.
“Our team on the ground is conducting rapid assessments and liaising with the state government of Assam to coordinate its response,” said Kunal Shah, Associate Director of Humanitarian Emergency Affairs, World Vision India.
World Vision India has deployed members from its Rapid Response Team with further team members on standby for deployment as needed.
“The surge of the rising water of Brahmaputra river has severely inundated and washed out a number of villages in Sissiborgaon Block of Dhemaji District largely affecting the shelters, standing crops, agriculture fields, livestock, drinking water sources,” said James Haokip, World Vision Program Development Information Coordinator, reporting on initial rapid assessment findings.
In Dhemaji, 400 families, including over 200 World Vision’s sponsored children have been moved to higher ground and are now camping in two government schools.
World Vision India is providing two power generators to the schools to ensure the safety and protection of children. Child friendly spaces are also being set up for over 500 children.
Water purification systems have been dispatched to the affected communities to ensure safe drinking water.
The Government of India has deployed 16 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for search and rescue operations. An Indian Air Force helicopter has also been deployed for airlifting the marooned and for air dropping food packets.
“We will continue to work with the government and respond to communities in need. We ask for your support and prayers as we strive to meet the needs of those impacted by these disastrous floods,” said Dr. Jayakumar Christian, National Director of World Vision India.
Contact Details:
Kunal Shah (HEA): +91 87545 94257
Relton Samuel (HEA): +91 94444 15401
Theodore Sam (Communications): +91 96771 33877
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