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CHF 500,000 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 15,000 families (75,000 beneficiaries). Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary:
Cyclone Phailin, categorised as "very severe" by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and one of the most severe cyclone in recent years by weather forecasters, has made landfall at the eastern coast of India, passing through Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states in the evening of 12 October 2013, with a windspeed of 210-220 kmph. It has triggered the India’s biggest evacuation operation in 23 years, according to Special Relief Commissioner of government authority, more than 700,000 people have been evacuated so far as preparedness action. So far, it was reported that 8 million people are affected, and about 200,000 rural houses being partially or fully damaged. seven cyclone related deaths have been reported so far, while the level of damage would need to be further assessed.
The Government of India has been active in planning and preparation of the rescue and relief efforts on the eve of cyclone. The Indian army has been on standby in the two coastal states for emergency and relief operations. Helicopters are ready to assist distribution of food packages through air to the storm-affected areas. The Navy, Air-Force, National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF), have been pressed into service to assist in rescue and relief operation. According to National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) 2,000 personnel of the NDRF have been deployed to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. While relief actions are on going, Government of India has not issued a request for international support at this time being.
Communication remains disrupted. Roads and electricity are heavily affected by the storm. All air and train communication have been cancelled along the cyclone route. As per latest media reports 183 trains cancelled, 22 partially cancelled, 26 diverted due to cyclone. Posting a lot of challenges in allowing assess the real damage situation on the ground.
India Red Cross Society (IRCS) has been actively assisting in the evacuation process, and provided assistance in the government evacuation centres with trained volunteers. As the situation gradually clears, IRCS, with support by IFRC, will provide more immediate emergency support to the affected population while assessing the gaps and needs. This DREF operation mainly seeks to support IRCS in providing emergency relief, safe drinking water and hygiene promotion activities to the most affected area. It is expected to be implemented over six months, and will therefore be completed by 14 April 2014; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 14 July 2014).