World Vision distributes relief materials to Assam flood victims

World Vision India is rushing emergency relief supplies to people affected by floods and landslides in Assam.

According to sources, over 21 lakh people in all 27 districts of the state have been hit by the floods that started June 22.

In its first phase of relief distribution, World Vision India is planning to distribute relief kits to over 600 families who are some of the worst affected by the floods.

Each relief kit, worth about Rs 4374, consists of food items, kitchen utensils, mosquito net, tarpaulin, mat, clothing, hygiene kit, among others.

The Christian NGO is coordinating with the government and inter-agency groups for further assessment and distribution plans.

In total, World Vision is planning to reach out to at least 4750 families with the relief kits.

World Vision's National Rapid Response Team is currently deployed at districts worst affected.

"Our team on the ground is conducting rapid assessments and liaising with the state government of Assam to coordinate its response," said Kunal Shah, Associate Director of Humanitarian Emergency Affairs, World Vision India.

In Dhemaji, 400 families, including over 200 sponsored children have been moved to higher ground and are now camping in two government schools.

World Vision is providing two power generators to the schools to ensure the safety and protection of children. Child friendly spaces are also being set up for over 500 children.

"We will continue to work with the government and respond to communities in need. We ask for your support and prayers as we strive to meet the needs of those impacted by these disastrous floods," said Dr Jayakumar Christian, National Director of World Vision India.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), some 101 people in 22 districts were killed due to surging waters.

The floods have rendered more than five lakh people homeless. Close to 3,000 villages have been submerged and large tracts of cropland damaged.

Sources said the water level of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries showed a receding trend in some of the districts.

The state government has set up 622 relief camps to provide shelter to the victims.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on has announced an aid package of Rs 500 crore for Assam.

"Rs 500 crore is sanctioned for immediate relief of the state. A central team will start assessing the total damage of the floods and all the required financial assistance will be extended," the Prime Minister told reporters after undertaking an aerial survey of the affected districts.

"Once the immediate relief work has taken place, we will pay more attention to medium and long term problems of flood control, erosion and related issues," Singh said.