Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 10-18-2011
In mid-September, heavy monsoon rains resulted in flooding in Orissa State, India. Within two weeks, a second round of floods resulting from a tropical depression in the Bay of Bengal inundated 19 of Orissa’s 30 districts. In response to heavy rainfall and to prevent breakage, authorities released water from the Rengali dam, exacerbating flooding in low-lying areas. As of October 18, flooding had affected more than 2 million people and resulted in 42 deaths, according to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Floods also affected approximately 552,000 acres of cropland in Orissa. In response to the floods, the Government of India mobilized helicopters, boats, and relief personnel to the most affected districts in Orissa to conduct search-and-rescue operations and distribute emergency relief commodities, including food items.
On October 18, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., A. Peter Burleigh reissued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the floods to allow for continued humanitarian response in FY 2012. USAID/OFDA provided nearly $50,000 in FY 2011 through USAID/India to Catholic Relief Services for the distribution of temporary shelter kits and other relief items to more than 2,400 affected families in Puri and Cuttack districts in Orissa.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Floods, 10-26-2010
In Fiscal Year 2011, affected populations in India continued to require humanitarian assistance following flash floods that resulted in the deaths of at least 196 people and affected an estimated 2,500 families in Leh District, Ladakh Region, Jammu and Kashmir State, in early August 2010. The floods caused extensive damage to agricultural land and damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 houses, in addition to health, transportation, and communications infrastructure in Leh District. According to relief agency Save the Children (SC), some areas experienced crop losses of 90 percent, as well as significant livestock losses. USAID/OFDA initially funded the provision of emergency relief supplies in response to the floods; however, the need remained to restore flood-damaged agricultural land before winter, which brings below-freezing temperatures to Leh District. Doing so presented a means to prepare the land for the spring cropping season and avert potential food insecurity.
On October 26, 2010, U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer reissued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $86,351 through USAID/India to SC to help the affected population of Shey village, Leh District, restore nearly 68 acres of agricultural land.
Floods, 09-09-2010
On August 6, heavy rains resulted in flash floods in Leh District, Ladakh Region, Jammu and Kashmir State. Relief agencies reported that the floods caused at least 196 deaths and affected approximately 2,500 families, with more than 600 families still displaced one month later. Floods and landslides damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 houses as well as hospitals, government buildings, and transportation infrastructure. In response, the GoI dispatched more than 6,000 army and paramilitary personnel to assist with debris clearing, search and rescue operations, and relief efforts, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Follow-up assessments conducted by relief agencies indicated additional needs among affected individuals in outlying areas. Due to the upcoming winter, the GoI identified shelter as a priority need for newly-identified populations affected by the flooding.
On September 9, U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/India to SC for the provision of emergency relief supplies, including mattresses, pillows, and blankets, for 400 families in Leh town and Kargil area in Ladakh Region.
Floods, 10-07-2009
Heavy rains since September 29 led to widespread flooding in southern India, causing extensive damage in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states. As of October 8, floods affected an estimated 4.1 million persons and caused 355 deaths, according to the IFRC. Floods also damaged nearly 373,000 houses and an estimated 282,000 hectares of agricultural land, according to the U.N. and IFRC. GoI accommodated more than 400,000 flood-affected individuals in temporary relief camps. The GoI also mobilized search and rescue teams and air and water assets to evacuate flood-affected populations.
On October 7, U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/India to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund and CARE to meet the immediate needs of affected populations in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
For information on additional USAID disaster responses, please see OFDA Annual Reports.
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