DELHI: World Vision India, a child focused humanitarian organization with expertise in disaster management, has begun relief work in two severely flood affected districts of Palakkad and Malappuram. The two districts are home to small and marginalized farmers, daily wage workers and tribal families whose houses and land have been washed away.
Over 54,000 people have been shifted to 439 relief camps across the state. World Vision India aims to reach out to 8000 families in total and to 3000 families for dry ration in the first phase with a budget of Rs. 28 Lakhs. World Vision India is working on relief and is assessing the worst affected areas of the two districts. The assessment findings will help in addressing their immediate needs and also work on rehabilitation process.
With more than half of the state of Kerala reeling under severe floods, one of the worst floods to hit the state since 1924, several people have been displaced and left homeless. Financially too, the state has already suffered a huge loss. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has estimated that 26,824 hectares of agricultural land has been affected. Roads, bridges, buildings and infrastructure have also been severely impacted, bringing the state to a standstill. The situation is likely to worsen as heavy rainfall has been predicted for the next week.
While the government of Kerala has been working to restore and rebuild the state, it is imperative that businesses, civil society and other institutions come together to respond to the call of action. Kunal Shah, Director – Disaster Management, World Vision India states that “Since the government of Kerala is responding well to meet the immediate needs of those affected, World Vision India’s response will focus on addressing needs of shelter, livelihood and Non-Food Items in the operational areas of Malapuram Area Development Project (ADP) and Palakad ADP,”
World Vision India is also providing Non-food items like utensils and clothes among other essentials. Restoring livelihood through agri- supplements and tools including cash for work will also be done. They are also providing WASH kits and carrying out WASH activities especially for children, to avoid waterborne diseases.
“World Vision India is monitoring and responding to the floods across India. We are also prepared for immediate response should the flood situation worsen in the coming weeks,” said Cherian Thomas, CEO & National Director, World Vision India. World Vision India, in recent times has responded to the floods in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, followed by Orissa and Uttar Pradesh. These floods and torrential rains have led to the death of over 700 people.
(India CSR)
