Why?
To ensure that the immediate needs of the 5,000 flood-affected families are met through provision of emergency relief items, safe drinking water, temporary toilets and hygiene promotion over a three-month period. Assam is prone to floods and erosions every year due to monsoon rainfall in the state and from its neighboring seven states in the North-East. The two main rivers of Assam – Brahmaputra and Barak – with more than 50 tributaries and innumerable sub-tributaries feeding them, causes the flood devastation in the monsoon period each year. According to the Economic Survey report, Assam suffers an average loss of USD 30 million every year due to devastating floods with nearly 40% of the state’s total land declared as flood-prone by the government almost every year. 1.7 million people were affected in 24 districts, which is comparable to last years floods (1.7 M affected in 21 districts). However, during this year, 75 people lost their lives which is much higher than the reported 3 deaths from last year. The perception of the assessment team is that many people had difficulties to recover and this had affected their coping mechanisms.
Manipur:
The rains that started after cyclone Mora during the last week of May continued till today causing floods across many parts of the state. While floods are a common phenomenon every year, in Manipur too, when the flood levels are above normal like this year, which is compared to once in a 30-year event, many low-lying areas in and around Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, are inundated by flood waters. The road network is cut off at many places due to landslides. Rainfall continues and flood waters remain at many low-lying areas, increasing vulnerability for water borne diseases. Approximately 3,200 hectares of agricultural land is currently inundated by floods.
India, in the states Assam and Manipur
What?
The operation shall be relief focused, providing the affected population, and especially those who are displaced, with essential relief items, drinking water supply, provision of temporary toilets and hygiene promotion. IRCS will deploy NDRT / NDWRT / SERV volunteers represented by both men and women volunteers to carry out this operation. IFRC will provide all necessary technical support to meet operational objectives.
Who?
Indian Red Cross Society and IFRC