Devastating Flood Affects Orissa, More than 500,000 Displaced

Incessant rains have been pounding Orissa over the last several weeks, causing the swelling water of the mighty Mahanadi River and its tributaries to overflow its banks. Vast areas of Orissa have been engulfed, claiming at least 29 lives and affected about four million people in 18 of the state's 30 districts. Of these, more than 500,000 people have been displaced from their villages.

Over 300,000 people have been evacuated and are staying in high-rise buildings, schools and cyclone shelters after their houses were destroyed in the disaster. Relief and rescue officials are unable to reach some villages because of heavy currents that make it difficult for boats to ply. The situation continues to remain grim in the coastal districts of Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur.

Navy personnel and paramilitary forces have joined the relief and rescue mission, hoping to reach the marooned people. Thousands of people huddle under rudimentary tents on the side of the road made of plastic sheeting and bamboo poles.

Prajnana Mission, our partner for emergency relief in Orissa, has organized doctors and volunteers to distribute drinking water, dry food packets and medical aid to those in need. The relief team is traveling to approximately three villages each day and distributing relief supplies and establishing health camps for medical care.

Funds are required for purchasing water, food, and medicines as well as for fuel costs. If you are interested in making a donation for the relief efforts, please send to

Hand In Hand USA

710 St. Josephs Drive

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Phone:

Email: handinhand01@voyager.net

website: www.HandinHandUSA.org

Hand In Hand Europe

Organisation fur humanitare Hilfe

ZVR: 622986022

A-1120 Wien

Pohlgasse 10/4/7

Fon : 0043(0)650 / 702 60 50

E-mail: secretary@handinhand.at

website: www.handinhand.at

Left: Thousands of people have been displaced to roadside camps and rudimentary camps.
Right: Prajnana Mission Volunteers serving the flood victims


Left: Hundreds of roads have been completely washed out, making transportation impossible in many areas.
Right: The people are managing as best they can, but are struggling to survive on the roadsides