The Federation's mission is to improve
the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It
is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers
are active in over 181 countries.
In Brief
This Information Bulletin no. 1 is being issued for information only. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time. For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
- In (India): Indian Red Cross Society(Dr. Vimala Ramalingam ,Secretary General), emailvimal.ramalingam@indianredcross.org, phone 011 23 716 424, fax 011 23 717 454
- In (India): India Delegation (Azmat Ulla, Head of Delegation, New Delhi ), email ifrcin65@ifrc.org, phone 011 23 324 203, fax 011 23 324 235
- In Geneva: South Asia Regional Department, Jagan Chapagain, Desk Officer, email jagan.chhampagan@ifrc.org, phone 41.22.730.44.29, fax 41.22.733.03.95
All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, or for a full description of the national society profile, please access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org
The Situation
The north-eastern state of Manipur is suffering severe flooding as a result of four days incessant rain which began on 10 April. A large number of houses have been submerged in various areas, under floods due to incessant rains from 10 to 14 April. The villages of Leimapokam Bazar Khunpham, Isok, Na-orem, Ulto, Thiyam, Khatong, Lourembam, Laitonjam, Wahengkhuman, Pukhrambam and Sanjenbam in the Nambol district have all been affected. These villages are still submer ged forcing the population to take refuge in makeshift relief camps being opened by local volunteers from various voluntary organisations.
The districts of Oinam and Khangabok Khullakpkam Laikai have also been hard hit with a total of approximately 1,000 houses submerged.
According to media reports the floods have caused significant damage to paddy fields which were in the early part of the harvest cycle. Fish farms have also been severely affected.
Red Cross and Red Crescent action
On 15 April the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Manipur state branch provided transport to school children stranded by the flooding, to reach home. The Manipur state branch has commenced planning for flood relief camps including post-flood medical and health camps.
The Manipur state branch has requested some relief material and financial assistance from IRCS national headquarters, which has responded to date with 150 tarpaulin sheets and 15 rolls of plastic.
The benefit of investment in disaster management by the Indian Red Cross, supported by the Federation, is being borne out with an increased disaster response capacity evident. These measures have included:
- pre-positioned disaster preparedness stock at regional warehouses
- training of a national disaster response team
- mobile disas ter units
- improved means of communication between branches and national headquarters.
- India/Manipur: Floods - Situation map
All International Federation Operations
seek to adhere to the Code of Conduct and are committed to the Humanitarian
Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE Project) in
delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further
information concerning Federation operations in this or other countries,
please access the Federation website at http://www.ifrc.org
For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal.