Hunger and public health major concerns in flood-hit India

Although rains have abated in the worst-hit eastern states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Assam, hunger and diseases are the two main issues affecting flood survivors.

Hundreds have been hit in Orissa, Gujarat and Rajasthan as well.

Millions of people across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Assam have been rendered homeless during the recent downpour. Authorities fear waterborne diseases including gastroenteritis, malaria, dengue, encephalitis (an acute inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a viral infection) and leptospirosis (an acute infection which affects spleen and kidneys) could spread. 

An increase in the outbreak of diarrhoea is being reported.

“We are still in the middle of the monsoon season but flood response is already running short of time and money. Even if the rains stop, the danger remains as flood accumulated water heightens the risk of diseases,” says Harjeet Singh of ActionAid. 

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs reports that since June 1 2007 floods have killed 1752 people, affected 37680600 people, destroyed 1377396 homes and damaged 5.4 million hectares of agricultural land, causing losses of more than $880 million.

Calls for government efforts to be stepped up are mounting as people in several areas fall short of food, medicine and safe drinking water. 

The main challenge now is to “reach food to the needy”, says P.V. Unnikrishnan, ActionAid's emergencies adviser for Asia.

India’s monsoon season runs until early September.

ActionAid and partner organisations are active in some of the worst-hit districts. “Hunger and public health are the two issues we are tackling now,” adds P.V. Unnikrishnan.

Updated: 13/08/2007

Photo credit: ActionAid