Caritas is appealing for US $5,600,000 to help survivors of catastrophic flooding in northeast India.

Over 2,500,000 people in the Indian State of Bihar have had to flee the rising flood waters after the Kosi River broke its banks on 18 August following heavy monsoon rains.

Between 60,000 to 80,000 people remain trapped by the floods waters and people have taken shelter on roof tops and trees in remote areas.

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organisation for 162 national charities, plans to provide food for 270,000 people with a one-month dry food ration per family, basic temporary shelter materials, and essential household items.

Caritas will also provide basic health and promote hygiene to affected families and communities through professionally qualified medical and other staff.

Caritas India and Catholic Relief Services (CRS is a Caritas member in the US) will carry out the relief work on the ground.

Caritas India’s Executive Director Fr. Varghese Mattamana said, “There are high chances of the situation deteriorating at a fast pace. People are taking refuge either on rooftops or on trees since the floods occurred and these temporary arrangements have also proven to be fatal. We need to see a quick evacuation of people still in danger.

“The present situation is such that the marooned population has no option than to depend on external help for survival. Caritas teams have done a rapid assessment in the affected Districts of Madhepura, Saharsa, and Purnea. We’re already working on the ground and this appeal will help us respond further to the urgent needs of the survivors.

“The current inundation is so massive that it has totally altered the habitation pattern of decades, if not centuries, with the flood waters surging through relatively safe villages, farmlands, fields, buildings and other infrastructure.”

CRS is also deploying three 30-foot boats for evacuation of families to relief camps, where food and other necessities can be provided. The boats will be staffed by rescue teams trained by local partners.

Caritas India will make provisions of 300 mobile clinics with sufficient drug supply for the affected people. Caritas India will also position a team of medical doctors with equipments and medicines to treat illnesses and common diseases.

Please contact in Bihar Communications Officer Stalin S on + 91 99 471 24274 or Mr. Sunil T.Mammen, Team Leader, Disaster Management +91-9818474566

Or for general enquiries please call Patrick Nicholson on +39 06 698 79 725 or +39 334 359 0700 or email nicholson@caritas.va with any media requests.