India: Guwahati Archbishop pleads for flood-survivors' aid

The Indian northeast state of Assam has been severely hit by the recent flood due to heavy rains. 
 
Widespread rainfalls have caused landslides in many places. 
 
According to the Assam State government report, flooding in Assam is common but this year’s flood is the worst. 
 
About 4.7 million people have been affected with 2.3 million people have been provided shelter in 810 flood relief centers. Furthermore, there has been a reported loss of 83 people in storms. 
 
It is worthy to mention that this widespread rainfall had started in the middle of May and another spell devastated major areas of the state of Assam on June 18 disrupting the social life of people. 
 
The floods have caused massive damage to houses, livestock, crops and property. 
 
In Guwahati, the state capital, Archbishop John Moolachira said that the floods have created ‘havoc’. 
 
“As the Catholic Church has always stood by the victims of any such disaster; I would exhort you to extend all possible humanitarian help to the people affected by such a disastrous natural calamity irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” he said in a statement on June 25. 
 
Father Maya Martin, director of the Guwahati Gana Seva Society (GGSS), the social action and development arm of the Archdiocese said, “The GGSS provided ration kits and other necessities to 1,150 families after the first set of storms, but the disaster was not over." 
 
The incessant rain resumed once again in Assam within a short period causing the second wave of flood disaster. The second wave of flood disaster was intensified by the sudden water release of the Kurisho Dam of Bhutan. This caused several rivers to flood, he said.
 
He further explained that the casualties of the second wave of disaster in Assam have displaced many families forcing them to take shelter in relief camps. Most of the houses are completely damaged and washed away as well as the people losing their crops in the field, livestock, important documents and household items.  
 
Transport and road communications are damaged. The women and children living in relief camps are facing more difficult times. 
 
The issue of health and hygiene in the relief camps has become a matter of concern, though the government officials are trying to provide health care services. Food and drinking water are another major concern in the relief camps. At present people need external help and support, the priest said. - Atanu Das/RVA Bengali Service