Caritas India plans to reach 15,425 families in flood affected areas of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Kerala

The North East states of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura continue to reel under the impact of the torrential rains. As of June 18^th 2018, 6,50,000 people have been affected in 1064 villages in 21 districts. Through different sources, a consolidated number of 16 deaths have occurred out of which 5 of the reported deaths were from Assam and 6 from Manipur. The incessant rain has triggered landslips and breaching of flood water on the highways which has disrupted rail and motor connectivity of the four states.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities have been hit the worst, as handpumps, ring wells and streams continue to be submerged under water. Water sources have been contaminated and the available sources for safe drinking water are difficult to access. The health of the affected community is under serious threat as there have already been some reported cases of Diarrhoea, fever, skin infections etc due to the waterlogging.

Meanwhile, down south in the state of Kerala, the incessant South-West monsoon rains have triggered landslides, floods, and overflowing rivers. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert (indicating severe hazard situation) for Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Palakkad districts till June 18 and directed the administration to be on standby for emergency operations in the hilly and flood-prone areas. An orange alert (moderate hazard) has been issued for Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts.

The Central Water Commission has issued a warning stating the rivers in Kerala are likely to overflow their banks. According to the Met Centre Advisory, fishermen have been advised against venturing out to sea due to strong winds and rough sea off the coast.

As many as 12,398 people have been shifted to 133 relief camps across the State. A total of 199 houses have been destroyed and 3,736 have been damaged by the rain. The government has sanctioned free ration to those put up in the relief camps. But there are many people who are stranded at these camps can only house limited numbers. The landslips have cut off road access to several districts.

The main concern is the impact of floods on the poor and vulnerable daily wage labourers. Among them, women, children, and persons with disability are even more vulnerable. Caritas India’s presence and assessment in the flood-affected regions shows that these communities have not received adequate assistance from government response.