Bihar – Flood Rehabilitation (follow-on from ASIN84)
Appeal: ASIN92 | India floods | CLOSED
In August 2008, catastrophic breaches in the embankments of the Kosi River led to the flooding of numerous towns and villages that were considered “flood safe areas”, resulting in the worst floods emergency to hit the north-eastern state of Bihar, India on record. Over 2.4 million people were affected in 13 districts and the state government issued an emergency appeal to the Indian Central Government and to all national and international agencies to help the affected population.
Through support mobilised under ACT Appeal ASIN84, ACT International members Lutheran World Federation’s Department of World Service- India (LWSI) and the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) have been providing relief and recovery assistance to people in the three worst affected districts of Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura as well as Araria with donations received under the ACT appeal of US $1.7 million. However, relative to need, the amount of assistance provided through the government and different organisations has been grossly inadequate. Indeed, the previous ACT appeal for this emergency, which closes at the end of this month, only raised 45% of the total amount requested of approximately US $3.8 million.
Most of the flood-affected areas remained submerged under water for more than five months. Affected families were compelled to take shelter in relief camps situated far away from their original dwellings. Now the majority of humanitarian agencies have wound up their work, the government has closed down its relief camps and people have been forced to return to their villages but without adequate infrastructure or support systems in place. The floods continue to impact most severely on the already socially excluded segments of society, particularly the Dalit communities. Now with relief off the government’s agenda, resettlement and rehabilitation policies are being developed but their translation into assistance on the ground for those most in need is at least a couple of months away, according to LWSI.
LWSI’s project under ASIN84 closed at the end of February and this new appeal, following recent re-assessments of the ground situation, is for continued assistance by Lutheran World Federation’s Department of World Service- India (LWSI) with a focus on the rehabilitation of shelter, agricultural livelihoods and community infrastructure including access roads and water and sanitation, as well as community disaster preparedness and awareness on issues of gender and HIV and AIDS. Implementation began in March with a balance of ASIN84 funds made available, as reflected in the balance amount now requested for this appeal.
Signed by:
John Nduna - Director
