The situation
The severe rains that struck East India from 15-20 June have led to rivers in both Orissa and West Bengal swelling and bursting their banks. The resulting floods have been exacerbated by dams and reservoirs releasing more water. About one million people have been affected by the floods in North Orissa alone.
In some villages almost all the water sources have been affected, leading to a shortage of safe drinking water and a greatly increased risk of water-borne diseases. Shelter and food supplies have also been affected – with many communities being completely cut off and families being forced up to embankments and roadsides on higher ground to escape the flood water.
The gravity of the situation could soon be compounded by the seasonal monsoon rains.
Oxfam's response
Oxfam has a strong presence in the region and is using its experience of water and sanitation issues to help co-ordinate the emergency response. Plans are in place to provide safe drinking water for 20,000 families – 6,000 in West Bengal and 14,000 in Orissa. Initially, purification equipment and water storage containers will be distributed, and once the waters begin to subside trained local mechanics will disinfect the drinking water sources.
We also plan to support the affected communities with the construction of temporary shelters, and with the provision of the tools required to repair damaged houses.
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What we do: Disaster risk reduction
July 2008
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