ActionAid pumps in 30 lacs INR as Bihar floods declared a 'national calamity'

1 September, New Delhi: ActionAid, international anti-poverty agency, releases 30 lacs INR to step up relief response as government declares Bihar floods as 'national calamity'.

According to Government report 2.6 million people in 14 districts have been affected by floods in the region. Declaring the situation a 'national calamity' government had earmarked about $230 million in aid for the region.

"Our priority is to reach out to people who are stranded in remote villages" said Unnikrishnan PV, ActionAid's emergencies advisor for Asia, "Many survivors are cut off from the rest of the world and are desperately in need of food, water and emergency supplies."

Monsoon floods are an annual event in eastern India, and are part of life for many people in the region. But on this occasion the river Kosi, which arises in Nepal, broke through an embankment and changed course, inundating six districts where people were unprepared for flooding.

Transport system has broken down, village roads and rail tracks remain submerged. Boats are the only means of transportation to access most affected areas. Far flung villages are cut-off, many still awaiting rescue and relief to reach.

"A long term comprehensive response is necessary to deal with relief, recovery and disaster preparedness," said Babu Mathew, director ActionAid India

Food aid should be accompanied by utensils and fuel. Besides, candles, matches boxes, sanitary items and other needs of women should be part of a family kit, recommend emergencies experts. Villages are likely to remain marooned for a long period and it will take longer for people to return to their homes and stand back on feet.

ActionAid says lessons from the past disasters should be kept in mind while planning response. It is crucial to pace both rescue and relief operations on an equal footing.

"In a disaster situation women and children are worst affected and their needs are often ignored especially the needs of lactating, pregnant and menstruating women. Their needs should also be reflected in disaster response and relief assistance" says Unnikrishnan PV.

"We are extremely concerned about the plight of women- those who are stranded in marooned villages as well as those who are in the relief camps. It is necessary to take steps to ensure their safety and security" said Vinay Ohdar manager ActionAid Bihar region.

Talking of best practice in emergency response, Unnikrishnan suggests that engaging local communities and using local knowledge to identify the most vulnerable and reach the unreached is most crucial .

ActionAid urges the government agencies, non-government organisations and international aid groups to join hands with flood affected communities in responding to the crisis.

Ends.

For information and to arrange interviews contact:

Pragya Vats +91 9868 42 4692, Parvinder Singh +91 9811 70 3798

ActionAid spokespeople:

Unnikrishnan PV ActionAid emergencies advisor, Asia +91 9845091319

Vinay Ohdar, manager ActionAid Bihar region +91 9431015418

Notes to editor:

ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency working in over 40 countries, taking sides with poor people to end poverty and injustice together.

Citizen's Initiative on floods in Bihar is a platform of community based organizations, eminent persons, NGOs and INGOs.. The forum estimated 2000 deaths based on reports from field workers and other organisations participating in the Citizen's Initiative. Government figures are much lower because they only include those whose bodies have been recovered and don't include those who are missing. ActionAid is a member of the Citizen's Initiative on Floods in Bihar