ORISSA: Urgent calls for medicine and safe drinking water

Local organisations in the coastal district of Cuttack say some survivors are now without government relief. 

After fresh floods hit Orissa state on August 4, municipal authorities provided food to those taking refuge in government schools but for almost 100 families surveyed by ActionAid and local partner, the Muslim Women Welfare Organisation (MWWO), this relief ended on August 7.

Many survivors also need medicines and safe drinking water. 

Other flood-hit districts are Jagatsinghpur, Balipatna, Khurda, Puri, Jhajhpur, Balasore and Kendrapada. Fifteen persons died, according to media reports. In Jhajhpur district alone, three hundred houses have been damaged or destroyed. 

After heavy downpours on August 4 and 5, rains have continued.

Slum dwellers in Cuttack

Reports say 2,500,000 people in Cuttack are affected by the flood. 

The MWWO-ActionAid team assessed the situation for families in low-lying slum areas to bring their situation to the attention of local administration. 

Stagnant rainwater and overfilled ponds have made it difficult for the flood to recede leaving slum areas water-logged.

“Flood survivors have to often camp under makeshift tarpaulin shelters on moist and mouldy floors. They are eagerly awaiting support from the government to rebuild their houses,” says Farhat Amin of MWWO.

The government has not announced any compensation for damaged houses. Those rendered homeless have no kitchen to prepare food and are relying on food supplied by local trusts. 

Municipal officials have tied red cloth around contaminated taps and tube wells to warn people against drinking from them, but have reportedly done nothing to provide alternative water sources.

Skin rashes and eye infections have increased say residents.

Balasore needs protection

Over 250,000 people have been affected by floods in Balasore district. Residents are calling on the state government to repair breaches in river embankments made by the last round of floods a month ago. Subarnarekha River is currently above the danger mark. 

Livelihoods hit

All rice crops in Balasore have been lost in the floods leaving agricultural communities in the lurch.

“Landless labourers have been without work since floods hit on August 4,” says Manas Ranjan of ActionAid.

The state government has distributed rice, jaggery, tarpaulins, candles, matches and cattle feed among survivors, along with powder to disinfect open wells. 

“Water in open wells is now contaminated. Safe drinking water is scarce. Health hazards like diarrhoea can strike anytime,” says Umesh Purohit Youth Service Centre, ActionAid’s partner organisation in Balasore.

So far the state government has sought central government funds to rebuild roads. 

“At least six months will elapse before the state government starts constructing new houses to replace damaged ones. So far it has not promised any compensation money to affected villagers,” says Umesh Purohit. 

Updated: 16/08/2007

Photo credit: ActionAid