AIF RESPONDS TO BIHAR FLOODS
September 3, 2008
Dear Friend,
Last week’s floods in Bihar have left close to 500,000 people stranded with minimal food or drinking water. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced and homes, crops, cattle and businesses worth billions of rupees have been destroyed. In the 4 worst affected districts alone – Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, and Saharsa – over 2.27 million persons have been severely impacted by the floods. The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has declared the situation a national calamity.
The predictions are that the crisis could persist for months, as, with the monsoon beating down, it will take time for the water to drain off. When the flood waters recede, the hard task of rebuilding lives will begin. The task is especially hard in the affected areas, because even before the floods hit, they were among some of the poorest parts of India.
As in previous work following with the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake and the 2004 Tsunami, AIF is working diligently to ensure that we achieve the most effective results possible. The main focus of our work will be in the reconstruction phase when the long-term task of rebuilding communities will begin. Please help us in this effort by making a contribution now at www.aif.org/donate
Immediately, in the relief phase, we are supplementing the relief work of the government and other aid organizations. We are working with two existing NGO partners, Mamta and Sammaan Foundation on the following three interventions:
1. Water, hygiene and sanitation services: Since the area is expected to be submerged under water for a while, there is an urgent need to ensure safe drinking water and access to hygiene and sanitation services. Mamta and its field partners will supply water purification tablets and organize basic toilet and waste disposal facilities.
2. Migration and livelihood information services: People living in the flood-affected areas face a huge information gap. First, they need information about their property and possessions and what relief measures are available. Second, due to the lack of economic opportunities in the area, many people are being compelled to migrate out in search of work but have no idea of where work is available. Sammaan Foundation will fill this information gap by creating an information clearinghouse where people can come to access such information.
3. Livelihood opportunities: There are a number of services that will be needed by the local population as they rebuild their lives. Sammaan Foundation will provide small no-interest loans ($300-$500) to entrepreneurs to provide these services at fair prices. The goal is to provide employment in the near term and create sustainable businesses that can anchor the local economy as it is rebuilt.
In the past few years, AIF has successfully executed a $4 million Gujarat earthquake campaign and a $2 million Tsunami relief campaign with full transparency and accountability of funds invested. We appeal to you to help with the dire situation and make a contribution to AIF’s Bihar Flood Relief Fund today.
You can make your contribution online at www.aif.org/donate or you can mail your contribution to:
American India Foundation
216 E 45th St, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10017
If you have any questions regarding our Bihar Flood Relief Fund, please contact Ajit Kothari by telephone at 646.530.8972 (w) 201.323.5278 (cell) or email at ajit.kothari@aif.org.
Thank you for your support.
Sanjay Sinho
Chief Executive Officer