Millions hit by heavy rainfall now seek relief at shelters and higher ground
SILVER SPRING, MD (July 18, 2019) – Torrential rainfall has already devastated many households in the regions of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, causing landslides. The recent downpour has been blamed for the deaths of 180 people and reportedly affected more than 44 million people.
ADRA is working closely with local authorities in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to assess damages and community needs. Below are updates on aid provided by ADRA in each country.
INDIA
Shelters have been established for more than 45,000 people who lost their homes, and community kitchens have been opened to provide food for families hardest hit by the flood waters. Flooding continues to worsen in some parts of India and water levels from rivers continue to rise. Families are in need of clean drinking water and other non-food items such as cooking utensils and stoves.
ADRA is working with local authorities and partners to gather what the greatest needs are. So far, items for sanitation and hygiene purposes are needed, including, shelter and non-food items, and food.
NEPAL
Approximately 90,000 people have been hardest hit by floods and landslides, and there are reported damages to houses and land. Food items and medicine are being brought into affected areas and rescue efforts by boat are underway to aid survivors. ADRA in Nepal has been assessing needs on an ongoing basis.
BANGLADESH
Water levels in Bangladesh have risen due to the heavy rainfall since July 9. The government has declared a state of emergency in flood affected areas, namely in districts in the north and southeast regions, and closing schools.
Local authorities have been distributing food where more than 900,000 people have been hardest hit, but road blocks make getting aid to households impassable. The refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar has also been threatened by potential flash floods and landslides. ADRA in Bangladesh is responding to areas most affected and assessing needs. Mainly, people need food, water, and shelter items.
More information will be provided as it is made available.
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ABOUT ADRA
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. For more information, visit ADRA.org.
