India: Emergency relief reaches flood victims

More than 31 thousand people have been affected by the monsoon floodings in India alone. The emergency in Bangladesh, where the displaced are 8 million, is becoming desperate. Children and families crowded in improvised camps risk hunger and epidemics.

More than half of the provinces in Bangladesh have been affected by higher than ever rainfall: 1,2 million acres of farmland have been completely flooded and over 26 rivers are above safety levels around the capital, Dacca, who?s eastern side has already been flooded.

Millions affected by monsoon flooding in Bangladesh
?The strong rainfalls of torrential nature and the joining of the rivers from Assam, in India, and the Kamuna river in Bangladesh have caused a very dramatic situation ? declared Iyorlumun Uhaa, who is in charge of sanitation in Balgldesh for Unicef: ?the situation for women, children and the elderly is particularly desperate. In the last few days there have been more than 500 reported cases of acute diarrea, mainly in children under the age of 5, but it is reasonable to think that there have been many more cases in isolated areas?. In the past twelve days the monsoon floods have caused 120 deaths and over 8 million people have been made homeless.

Using the aid material that was in stock after the 2004 floods, Unicef immediately sent more than 15 million water purification kits to the most affected areas. Meanwhile Unicef is intensifying the send off of other humanitarian aid neccessary for every day survival including waterproof plastic sheeting for emergency tents and family kits to meet first needs. Three of the ten mobile water purifiers that have been supplied in the last few days have allready been installed in Sirajganj, one of the most affected regions.

?So far we have been able to send 400 thousand oral rehydration sachets, that also cure acute dihorrea and medicines worth 300.000 dollars ? declared Unicef?s spokesperson, Mr. Uhaa – with the help of WFP (World food programme) we have over 90 tonnes of BP5 biscuits in stock that contain high protein content; through our partner NGOs we are distributing these to pregnant women and children. We estimate that the aid we are providing will cover the needs of 1,7 million people?.

The situation in India
In India 31,190,000 perple have been affected by the disaster that ? according to the governments official data ? so far has caused the death of 1,294 people and the destruction of 131, 754 dwellings and the damage of a further 458.390.

Among the 3 Indian states most affected – Bihar, Uttar Pradesh e Assam ? the situation is most fierce in Bihar, where there are serious health risks for more than 12 million people due to the stagnant water. In Assam more rain is predicted for the 9th of August and could go on for many days. In Uttar Pradesh rivers remain above safety levels but the end of the rain has meant that the greatest risks are now health risks related to standing water.

Unicef is supporting the government in the rescue operations and distributing aid through their partner organisations, especially waterproof materials, powder food, water purifying kits and containers to collect water in, rehydration salts, kits for hygine and lighting material.

To date 20,000 people have benefited from the distribution of aid while Unicef is also sending out teams of doctors in 10 districts and pushing for a vaccination campaign.

For more info & to find out how to donate:

• www.unicef.org