CRS Responds with Emergency Relief Across Country

New Delhi, India, July 14, 2008 - The incessant monsoon rains flooding India since early June have taken an ominous turn in the northeastern state of Assam, where major rivers have reached dangerous levels, 50,000 homes are severely damaged, and 350 people have been reported dead. In Assam and the other hard-hit eastern states of Orissa and West Bengal, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working closely with local partners and the Indian government to provide emergency relief to over 16,000 families.

In Assam, an estimated 3,480 families are seeking shelter in some of the 27 government camps where they are receiving basic relief supplies. When the flooding subsides, they will need assistance rebuilding homes, roads and community infrastructure.

"Reaching families who have been cut off by washed out roads is critical," notes Father Celestine, Assistant Country Representative for CRS India. "In some instances, families have lost their immediate food supplies in addition to their homes and livelihoods."

CRS is coordinating with partners and government agencies to deliver vital food, household items (blankets, stoves, etc.) and hygiene supplies. Clean drinking water is the most pressing need and aid workers are distributing water storage/treatment containers and water purifying tablets to mitigate the health risks of unsafe water sources.

Father Celestine adds, "In preparation for the floods, CRS and Caritas have purchased 5,000 kits with water treatment tablets, buckets, soap and other items, and have trained community groups in how to use the water treatment tablets. CRS is using small boats to reach families who do not have access to safe water with these life-saving supplies."

This is likely to be a devastating monsoon season. Hitting early in the east, the areas to suffer the most so far are Balasore district in Orissa, East and West Mindapore districts in West Bengal, and Lakhimpur district in Assam. The first week of rains raised local river waters above danger levels, blocked roads, washed away homes, inundated crops, and collapsed bridges - threatening the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands.

Long-Term: Turning the Tide of Disaster

Every year, India's monsoon rains cause massive devastation, resulting in the loss of homes, commerce, cattle, and human life. Orissa, one of India's poorest states, has experienced nature's fury time and again. Out of the state's 30 districts, 25 are affected by floods, cyclones, droughts, or multiple hazards every year. Most often the brunt of flooding falls on poor and marginalized communities. These are people who lack the influence and money to recover from natural disasters. Read more about CRS' disaster preparedness programs in India at: http://crs.org/india/monsoon-preparation.