Assistance to families affected by floods in India

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: US$ 91,434

Torrential rains since the end of July have caused widespread flooding in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Many lives have been lost. The floods have also caused widespread damage to property, standing crops, flood control embankments and other basic infrastructure. People have lost their belongings in the swirling floodwaters and are facing a scarcity of food, drinking water, shelter and clothing. Those who have managed to escape to safety are currently deprived of the basic necessities of life. The loss to crops and livestock is massive. In addition, there is extensive damage to the general infrastructure, including that of the road and rail systems. A Reuters' article posted on Reliefweb on 9 August reported that 4,5 million people have been driven from their homes.

All three ACT members in India are addressing the needs caused by the floods. United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India (UELCI) has sent eight assessment teams to Orissa and parts of Andhra Pradesh and are waiting for their final reports. UELCI/ACT is planning provide relief (food and non-food, as well as health services) to around 15,000 families and some immediate rehabilitation (livilihood recovery and housing support) to 10,000 families in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh/Chattishgharh. Lutheran World Service India (LWSI) is assessing the needs in parts of Andhra Pradesh. Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) has mobilised relief teams in Maharashtra and Gujarat and has assessment teams in Andhra Pradesh. They are finalising a proposal for assistance in two Districts of Andhra Pradesh, East and West Godavari.

The ACT CO is waiting for the proposals from both UELCI/ACT and LWSI/ACT. Hence, this appeal will be revised in the coming weeks to include the other two ACT members in India. The ACT CO kindly asks donors to keep this in mind when planning funding to the appeal.

This appeal covers the assistance to flood affected families by CASA/ACT in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This response focuses on immediate relief in the form of distribution of food, blankets, clothing and kitchen utensils.

Project Completion Date: 30 September 2006

ACT Reporting Schedule

• Final narrative and financial reports to be submitted to the ACT CO by 30 November 2006.
• The audit report is due by 31 December 2006.

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested (US$):

Total Appeal Target(s): 311,022
Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 219,588
Balance requested: 91,434

Signed by:

John Nduna
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office