An update on Indian Red Cross flood relief action

Rain and floods have affected millions and engulfed 1,100 lives all over India since the onset of the current monsoon season. The States of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Bihar, Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtrahave been affected.

In Orissa, six Districts are affected by floods, the worst in 35 years. Atleast 27 people have died, 1738 villages and 13 lac population has been affected. The districts, though not traditionally flood-prone, have been witnessing increased floods in the past couple of years. Two discernible causes are water logging due to the newly constructed National Highway 5 that connects Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata built under the Golden Quadrangle project. The other reason for floods is the increased denudation of forests in the upper reaches of the rivers, due to indiscriminate mining activities in Jharkhand as well as Orissa

Biharis facing one of the worst floods in 30 years. Atleast 126 people have died, several are missing and over 70 lacs have been affected across 17 Districts in the State. 54 lacs have been marooned and 16 lacs are living in temporary shelter.

In West Bengal, 9315 villages in nine districts have been affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. Atleast 45 people have died. The affected Districts are Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura, Puruliya, Paschim-Midnapur, Purba-Midnapur and 24 Parganas.

Full Story