Flooding in India

Most Indian states experienced torrential monsoon rains and severe flash flooding from June until October in 2020.

Over 17 million people have been affected across the country. The states of Assam, Bihar and Odisha have been hit the hardest.

The disaster is affecting vulnerable families who are already in a tough situation. They are still recovering from the deadly effects of Super Cyclone Amphan and trying to protect themselves from the risk of coronavirus.

In the state of Odisha, flash flooding caused widespread destruction to homes, buildings and livelihoods.

Thousands of families urgently need shelter, including tarpaulins and other household items. There are no other agencies providing support in the area.

In India, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly every day. Restrictions on movement have made it challenging for emergency services and disaster relief efforts, and social distancing measures have made mass evacuations difficult.

But coronavirus only adds to the existing issues that vulnerable families face in Odisha.

People are struggling to make ends meet as chronic poverty is already widespread. Farmers who’ve lost their livelihoods because of the flooding cannot look for work in urban areas because of the pandemic.

Families also frequently face the impacts of extreme weather, such as severe floods and extreme monsoon seasons.

The coronavirus pandemic, poverty and extreme weather are all keeping communities from recovering from the flash flooding. Our emergency shelter is more needed than ever.

We’re working with our partner Habitat for Humanity India to support communities who desperately need help in two districts of Odisha.

After speaking with affected communities, we found out that despite the period of time since the flooding, people haven’t received support.

Most people haven’t been able to recover, as they can’t afford to buy materials to fix their homes.

We’re supporting families with shelter kits including tarpaulins, rope and tool kits, hygiene kits including soap, bucket and face masks, as well as other essential household items.

Distributions are due to begin soon.