Silver Spring, Maryland-—In the northeastern state of Bihar, India, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is continuing to provide emergency food aid for displaced survivors after heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding throughout the state in September, killing more than 235 people and affecting nearly 5 million people in 18 districts.

In response, ADRA India immediately distributed emergency kits containing rice, molasses, salt, multivitamins, folic acid and iron tablets, calcium tablets, baby food, and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for 7,500 of the most vulnerable survivors in the remote district of Bhimpur.

Based on ADRA India's National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and a rapid needs assessment conducted in the Kosi River area, the initial response was co-funded by ADRA International, the ADRA Asia Regional Office, and the Northern India Union of Seventh-day Adventists.

Currently, food, temporary shelter, and added protection for women and children remain the greatest priorities. "Many of the rescued families have been placed in government-run relief camps, some of which are in good working condition, while others are horribly overcrowded and suffering from a severe lack of necessary resources," said Karmen Till, programs and planning director for ADRA India.

In addition, many survivors have chosen to set up their own camps in areas near their villages, including embankments and highways, which are often not easily accessible. Health concerns are high, as waterborne diseases could affect many people.

ADRA India is planning to expand its response to include additional food, blankets, tarps, soap, and candles in the Araria District of Bihar. The three-month project, which is being funded by supporting offices in the ADRA network and New Zealand's Aid & Development Agency (NZAID), will meet basic food security needs, as well as other immediate needs, for the most vulnerable and affected families; provide medical services to those remaining in marooned villages and without access to government medical services; and reduce the risk and further negative impact of the winter cold and adverse weather conditions.

"Bihar is one of the poorest states in India, and is facing tremendous challenges with millions displaced, hundreds dead, and most of the affected survivors still remain stuck in stagnant muddy water," said Nitin Kenny, emergency program officer for ADRA India. "It is going to be a real challenge...but we can't give up in the face of these insurmountable odds."

Heavier than usual rains caused severe flooding in northeastern parts of India, breaking dams and causing the banks of the Kosi River to overflow. Record water levels changed the course of the river, destroying 300,000 homes, submerging entire villages and damaging at least 617,763 acres (250,000 ha) of crops. The worst affected districts included Madhepura, Bhagalpur, Araria and West Champaran.

To assist in ADRA's emergency response to the flooding in northeastern India, contributions can be made to ADRA's Emergency Response Fund, by calling 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or online at www.adra.org.

ADRA India was officially registered in 1992. Its current portfolios include Health Care, Emergency Management, Economic Development, Education, Water and Sanitation, Environment, Anti-Human Trafficking, and Gender Equality.

ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

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Author: Jay L. Till/Nadia McGill

Media Contact: John Torres, Senior Public Relations Manager, ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org