Media release
Updated 19 October 2009
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Caritas prepares for new disaster front in Asia Pacific with Indian
floods
“We have never experience anything like this before. It is the
worst flooding in 100 years,” said Caritas’ Mr Ambrose
Christy from flood affected areas in India.
Caritas Australia’s local partners in India have started to
deliver aid as floods in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh open up a new
front in the humanitarian crises besetting the Asia Pacific region.
Caritas’ response is being coordinated with the Indian government
who is reeling under the size of the disaster. An estimated 250 people
have been killed and more than 2.5 million people are
homeless. In Andhra Pradesh, unprecedented flooding in the
Krishna river has caused lot of damage and nearly 50 villages were
completely marooned. The floods inundated over 100 villages in
Kurnool and Mahabubnagar districts, 20,000 houses were completely
submerged by the water.
“Our local partners have begun to respond while continuing to
assess the needs of those affected in the South of India. This latest
disaster comes as aid agencies are already stretched responding to three
consecutive disasters in the Asia Pacific region”, said Caritas
CEO Jack de Groot.
Caritas’ local partners are initially delivering clean drinking
water and food items while in Kurnool a convent has been converted to
house three hundred people left homeless by the deluge.
“Like in South East Asia after Typhoon Ketsana, we need swift
assistance for the displaced and immediate steps to combat an influx of
water borne diseases. In the acute emergency phase our local partners
will be assessing where the greatest need is and focusing our assistance
there. Temporary shelter will be required and the threat of polluted
water poses great risk for those temporarily displaced”, said
Caritas Australia’s CEO Mr de Groot.
With the monsoon beginning in India further flooding is expected.
“The situation could become even more severe as the rains get
worst. If the Krishna River bursts its banks, millions more will be
forced from their homes and a huge area of land will be
underwater”, said Mr Ambrose Christy.
Caritas Australia is accepting donations to its Communities in Crisis
– Asia Pacific Appeal and once immediate needs are addressed will
focus on the long term rehabilitation of the affected populations.
You can help
You can support the Caritas Australia Communities in Crisis –
Asia Pacific Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or donate online.
For more information:
Contact Evan Ellis,
Communications Officer (02) 8306 3457 or 0408 869 833
Read about the Communities in
Crisis across our region.
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