World Vision assists survivors of floods in Andhra Pradesh, India

HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH - On the evening of August 24th, unprecedented rains battered the state of Andhra Pradesh in the South-Central part of India, the worst rains in 46 years. Over 50,000 families have been displaced from their homes, 140 people have died and there is been heavy damage to infrastructure. Highways are closed, and residential areas are flooded, with at least 10,000 houses submerged. The Indian Air Force rescued families stranded in the flood waters and air-dropped food packets and fresh water supplies. In one World Vision Area Development Program (Shanthidatha), 10 villages have been entirely submerged. Some homes have been totally destroyed or washed away, and people have been evacuated out of the area by the Government. Only when the waters subside will the full magnitude of the damage be known.
After conducting a rapid needs assessment, World Vision responded to the worst-affected families by providing relief kits containing rice, lentils, and blankets. In many areas, World Vision was the first and the only NGO to offer assistance. After a new assessment of the needs, World Vision is determined to continue its relief response by providing two weeks of emergency food and blankets to at least 5,000 more families.