World Vision distributes relief in Bihar, India

World Vision India has begun relief distributions in Bihar, the northern Indian state most affected by the country's worst flooding in a lifetime.

Food and blankets have been distributed to 350 families, as fears of water-borne disease rock people rendered homeless by the floods. With the water receding slowly, people are still living in conditions of poor sanitation along highways and railway tracks.

"While the immediate needs are being met by government, World Vision and other NGOs, the biggest challenge will be when people start going back," says Dr Jayakumar Christian, World Vision India's national director, who visited Bihar yesterday and helped with the distribution of relief supplies.

"And this will be a slow process with the need to address economic, health and infrastructure issues."

World Vision India will focus its work on providing relief to 5000 families in the Darbanga district of Bihar.

Family relief packs distributed contain 3kgs rice, 3kgs wheat flour, 3kg ground rice, 1kg chickpea flour, 1kg palm sugar and four packets of biscuits. The rice and wheat flour help those who are able to cook, while the biscuits, chickpea flour and palm sugar can be eaten by just adding water. The government and other NGOs are also providing cooked food and water to those in need.

As people start going back to their homes, World Vision will provide them with a 30-day pack of rations and utensils and blankets to use as they rebuild their lives.

ENDS

World Vision New Zealand has committed $50,000 to the relief effort in India and Bangladesh. Donations can be made on 0800 800 776 or www.worldvision.org.nz

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