The 2017 monsoons have created havoc in many states in India. Heavy and incessant rains have led to severe flooding especially in the northeastern part of the country. Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh are reeling under the first spell of severe flooding. Assam is suffering the third deadly spell since July this year. Around 800+ people have died and over 1 crore people have been displaced across these four states alone, with 60 districts hit by floods. The inundation of water and the sand deposits from landslides/mudslides in homes and schools will render them uninhabitable for a long time. Also, stagnant waters will pose threat of spread of diseases over the next few days.
United Way India is supporting families across the states of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Gujarat through immediate medical, shelter, water, sanitation and education support. The focus is on providing immediate Medical relief, Clean drinking water, Transitional shelters, Sanitation units, WASH kits to flood affected families. In the overall selection of beneficiaries, UWI is targeting the most vulnerable and marginalized groups within these villages. UWI is coordinating closely with government officials to ensure a proper process is set up and that there is no overlap with other humanitarian organizations. The following are the needs identified, through rapid assessments:
- WASH Kits: To curtail this outbreak, the families must ensure that they intake only clean and safe water. These family kits are inclusive of water treatment solutions, sanitary napkins, soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, washing soap, liquid antiseptic, towels, Nail cutter, bucket, mugs, floor mats and mosquito nets.
- Medical Camps: The aim will be to provide immediate and basic health services to the affected population and also focus on prevention of epidemics in the region.
- Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation: Sanitation needs of the families are severely affected. Toilet units are damaged and families are forced for open defecation in many a cases, which makes the situation even more vulnerable.
- Transitional Shelters Support: With houses inundated or severely damaged, families are forced to stay out in open. Recurring rains are making the situation worse and extremely difficult for the homeless families.
- Temporary learning centers for continuation of education: During floods, education often is the severely disrupted, with schools buildings rendered unfit to hold classes due to inundation of rain water or severe accumulation of sludge. As a result, school authorities are seen struggling to continue education owing to lack of alternate arrangement.