Update: South India floods
On 3 October 2009, heavy flooding caused by incessant rains has claimed the lives of at least 200 people and affected at least 200,000 others in Andhra and Karnataka states. World Vision is providing relief assistance to families affected by the flooding.
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Background
On 3 October 2009, heavy flooding caused by incessant rains destroyed thousands of homes in Andhra and Karnataka states. 200 people have been reported dead, while 200,000 others have been affected.
In Andhra Pradesh, the most affected districts are Mahaboob Nagar and Kurnool. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated. The situation is deteriorating due to further rain and water being released from major dams. In Karnataka, the affected population has been shifted to safer places.
Other states affected by the floods are Orissa and Maharashtra. The economic loss is feared to have exceeded millions of dollars.
Authorities are continuing to shift hundreds of people from low-lying areas to school buildings and temples on higher ground, but the Air Force said rain and storms were hindering operations.
World Vision's response
World Vision is responding to the disaster by providing relief to affected families.
World Vision’s immediate relief efforts have so far included:
- The provision of 3,000 family packs containing household needs such as plastic mats, cotton bed sheets and cooking utensils.
- Provision of food for 5,000 people in Vijayawada and Damaluru, Chilikuru and Kotikalapudi rural communities.
- Temporary shelter in the form of tarpaulins.
- Distribution of men’s and women’s clothing.
As part of the relief efforts, World Vision is assessing all affected programs in order to determine an appropriate response.
Children sponsored by Australians
World Vision is monitoring the safety and wellbeing of sponsored children in all affected areas. Please be assured that if we receive information of concern regarding any sponsored children we will contact sponsors immediately.
How you can help
Support for the Emergency & Preparedness Fund enables World Vision to prepare for emergencies by pre-stocking and positioning life-saving supplies and ensuring trained staff are available to be on the scene quickly, to respond to emergencies like the floods in South India. Your support means that World Vision can provide emergency relief supplies and longer-term livelihood recovery assistance to affected communities, where they're needed most.
Find out more about our Emergency & Preparedness Fund or donate now.