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MANILA (Sept. 25, 2018) — Habitat for Humanity continues to respond to the urgent needs of affected families as floods subside in Kerala, India. With the help of partners, Habitat for Humanity India is distributing humanitarian aid kits in the districts of Alappuzha, Idduki, Thrissur, Ernakulum, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
This is an initial response in a three-phase plan. Habitat India is appealing for US$14.8 million to support thousands of disaster-affected families in their transition from emergency to recovery and reconstruction.
The extent of damage caused by the worst floods in nearly a century is massive. Reports put the estimated cost of rebuilding at US$3 billion with at least 23,607 houses damaged or destroyed. The destructive floods swept through entire coastal and agricultural villages causing the deaths of more than 300 people, cutting off supplies of food, water and power, and affecting livelihoods, agriculture and tourism.
Rajan Samuel, managing director of Habitat for Humanity India, said: “More than 1 million people in Kerala are displaced and living in relief camps. Habitat India is on the ground and has started distribution of humanitarian aid kits with the support of partner organizations, companies, volunteers and community members. We have been able to support 87,333 families to date. This is just the beginning.”
“For a person who has lost everything, this kit is a huge blessing. It has helped us a lot as we have to start from scratch,” says Sharath (far left). He and his wife Meera are staying in a temporary shelter built with tarpaulin sheets from the humanitarian aid kits distributed by Habitat India.
The humanitarian aid kits comprise tarpaulin sheets, nylon rope, water filter, a kitchen set, a bucket, three sleeping mats, three blankets, and a hygiene kit consisting of sanitary napkins, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, and towels.
Emergency shelter kits, mobile water purification units and tool banks will also be dispatched in affected areas to help disaster-affected families. Heading now into the second phase of its response, Habitat India will enable families to recover and protect themselves from threats brought on by extreme weather and outbreak of diseases, especially for those staying in evacuation centers where hygiene, sanitation and living conditions can be major challenges.
“It will take a lot of resources to be able to rebuild Kerala’s most devastated communities. We are working with partners from the public and private sectors to support the immediate and long-term shelter needs to help families get back on their feet,” Samuel added.
Volunteers and celebrities are taking an active role in supporting relief efforts in Kerala. Actress and Habitat India ambassador Jacqueline Fernandez rallied her online supporters to donate to Habitat India’s Kerala relief appeal in Ketto.org. Habitat India ambassadors – singer Mihir Joshi, actress Evelyn Sharma and Olympian boxer MC Mary Kom also urged the public to support the ongoing relief drive. One can also donate through Habitat for Humanity India’s website www.habitatindia.in.