News Desk: Amidst the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, savage floods have wreaked havoc in the State of Assam, disrupting the lives of nearly 33 lakh people in 28 districts. Lakhs of people have lost their homes and livelihoods in its wake.
Since the onset of flooding, Red Cross teams (more than 1200 volunteers) have been on the ground, providing support to affected communities in the remotest areas of the State. To date, 9,283+ tarpaulins distributed among the needy families are helping close to 46,000 people gain immediate shelter. Moreover, 2000 families are being supported in temporary shelters/relief camps set up by the IRCS Assam in highlands, at several locations.
All beneficiaries are being provided with dry ration, utensils, mosquito nets, soaps, masks & clean drinking water. The volunteers are also making all possible efforts to ward off the rising threat of COVID19 and prevent community transmission of the disease in relief camps by earmarking separate spaces for families.
This helps in ensuring that social distancing is maintained & the families feel safe just as they would be at home during their stay. Information on related safety precautions is concurrently being disseminated among communities and all steps are being taken to ensure that they are being followed in the camps.
IRCS Assam has also installed 25 family tents in different COVID19 quarantine centres as well as along highways, railway lines, and embankments where displaced people are taking shelter. One such camp has been set up at IRCS’ raised platform in Chorabori, Hajo, Kamrup district where 50 flood-affected families (250 people) are being sheltered along with their cattle.
Initially, the State Branch conducted a needs assessment and established 12 Zonal centers to pre-position 13,500 tarpaulins to launch a timely Emergency Response.
To date, Indian Red Cross has reached 40,000+ people (10,000+ families) reeling under the impact of these devastating floods with relief aid such as 1000+ dry ration kits, 800 mosquito nets, 2000+ utensil kits & other essential commodities. 2000+ hygiene items such as soaps & 3400+ PPEs (masks, gloves) have also been distributed. Besides, volunteers are encouraging everyone to practice social distancing norms.
IRCS has also installed hand pumps for affected families to ensure that communities have access to clean drinking water, as floods lead to contamination of drinking water sources.
Dedicated Red Cross staff, volunteers, and members continue working tirelessly on the frontline to reach the last mile and ensure that no one is left behind. Tarpaulins, dry ration, milk packets, mosquito nets & coils, drinking water, candles, clothes, etc. are being transported to the most affected areas to reach people right at their doorstep.