Relief for Jammu and Kashmir

By now everyone across India knows of the flooding that has ravaged Jammu and Kashmir -- killing many and displacing even more.  To say the needs are tremendous there right now is an understatement.

So today, we're stepping out of our usual format and giving our readers and opportunity to lend aid, if you haven't already, to the people of J & K. Below is Information from World Vision India on the needs there and how to help. WV will also be present at DLF Saket, Delhi today accepting donations.

FLOOD FURY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR 

Worst floods in the last 60 years hit the State of Jammu & Kashmir raising the death toll to over 200. Across the valley, 600,000 people are stranded and await help. Worst affected are the districts in South Kashmir. As per media reports, More than 1,000,000 people are affected in Jammu and Kashmir. The floods have left many areas still cut off. Over 30% of the capital city, Srinagar, is under flood waters. People wait for rescue on terraces and rooftops. Many have lost contact with their families as phone lines are not functioning. Hospitals are submerged in the capital city of Srinagar.

The Army, Air Force, Navy and National Disaster Relief Forces collectively evacuated 96,000 people so far through their rescue operations. Ten districts are worst affected including Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Budgam, Rajuri, Poonch and Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir State. Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama districts are completely cut off. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said 2,500 villages were affected, out of which 450 were completely submerged. 'Paddy, maize, vegetables and fruit crops over a large area have been destroyed, while much of public infrastructure and private property were damaged', was a concern raised by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. The catastrophe has extensively damaged property, infrastructure. Roads, bridges, buildings, power installations units and crops have been damaged by landslides triggered due to heavy rainfall.

RESCUE AND RELIEF IN J & K - GROUND REALITIES

The region is a landlocked area with international borders on the north. Currently, the Military is providing rescue and relief in areas affected by floods.

• Excessive water logging in all the cities
• Srinagar in 15-20 feet deep water. Located at lower level than the river Jhelum
  the city will continue to be water logged until water is pumped out
• Logistics are limited with lack of adequate means of transport (boats etc.)
• Sources of drinking water are inundated and contaminated resulting in depleting sources of drinking water
• Unrest is observed with limited supplies at places where rescued people are brought
• Communication towers are down and areas are without electricity

World Vision India Response

World Vision’s National Disaster Management Team are already on field and are ready to be deployed to the affected communities. World Vision India has committed to releasing 6000 Pre-positioned Non-Food Item Kits as immediate response.

Targeted Reach: 6000 families

The cost of one set of these 3 kits is Rs 10,000/-

Types of Emergency kits:

1. Food Basket  - Rice, Rajma, Oil, Sugar, Salt, Biscuits etc
2. Hygiene Kit   - Water container, soap, detergent, towel, antiseptics, toothbrush, paste, sanitary napkins etc
3. Dry Ration Kit  - Cooking Utensils, warm clothing, blankets etc
4. Temporary Shelter - Tarpulin Sheets
5. Education Kit - Notebooks, pens, pencils, etc

We need 6000 kits of each kind. 

If you want to help, please go to www.worldvision.in to make a donation towards the ongoing relief efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.  World Vision India has a stall at DLF Saket, Delhi, today with a swiping machine to make donations easier. Details are also available on their Facebook page.

Questions about this and donations should be directed towards World Vision India and not the team here at IndiAanya. Our hope is to simply bring awareness and call attention to an organization we feel is providing help during this crisis. 

Photo Credit sandeepchetan via Flickr cc

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Kim W Freeman

Kim W Freeman is the wearer of many hats: a wife to Jon, mother of five, co-founder of IndiAanya, artist and writer. She has a heart to see women grow in their faith and do life together in authentic community. Her perfect day would include cinnamon cappuccino, scones, rainy weather and an inspiring conversation. She haphazardly blogs over at her own place about life, art and spiritual formation at kwfreeman.com. She and her crew live in Charlotte, NC.

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