Lutheran World Relief (LWR) today announced it will be providing assistance to families affected by recent flooding in India.
Since late July, torrential monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding throughout several Indian states, driving 4.5 million people from their homes and damaging crops, livestock, property and infrastructure. Over 200 deaths have been reported and thousands of people lack basic necessities such as food, drinking water, shelter and clothing.
Although government efforts to airlift people to higher ground and provide supplies have begun, living conditions in affected areas and in relief camps remain “appalling,” according to reports from LWR’s partner organizations in India. The survival and recovery of those affected depends on timely and appropriate additional aid.
LWR is responding to the situation through Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, a global alliance of churches and related agencies that assists in disaster response worldwide. ACT members in four of the most devastated Indian states are implementing the ACT response for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
Relief efforts will initially focus on providing temporary shelter and distributing food, water, blankets, clothing, and school supplies to the most vulnerable people affected by the floods. In addition, emergency sanitation and health services will be provided in order to prevent the outbreak of disease.
Post-crisis intervention will include housing support, assistance with rebuilding livelihoods, the rebuilding of public infrastructure and environmental restoration. Communities will also receive training in disaster preparedness and advocating for government assistance. Throughout the aid process ACT partner churches, district officials and community organizations will provide ongoing assessment in order to best help those affected regain self-sufficiency.
“LWR has a long history working in India,” said LWR President Kathryn Wolford. “This flooding is the worst that some areas have experienced in decades. Some people have lost everything they have. LWR will be there to help them get back on their feet and begin to recover from this disaster.”
