The state of Odisha, especially the district of Balasore, is currently facing a massive humanitarian crisis due to severe flooding. Persistent rains and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal have caused numerous rivers, including the Subarnarekha and Jalaka, to burst their banks and flooded more than 250 villages. The regions of Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, Jaleswar and parts of the Balasore Sadar block have been particularly badly affected. In these areas, more than 35,000 people in 141 villages have been affected by the floods and thousands are cut off from the outside world. Road links have been disrupted, houses flooded and large areas of farmland, especially paddy fields, have been destroyed, further exacerbating the already precarious economic situation of those affected. More than 6,000 houses were either completely or partially destroyed by the floods.

The situation has forced many people to leave their homes and access to food and other essential goods is severely restricted. So far, 21,085 people have been evacuated to schools and emergency shelters, but many more are in urgent need of help. The loss of the harvest and the destruction of stored food has made the situation even worse.
Our local partner, VISWASS, has been carrying out relief operations since the beginning of the crisis. . By 24 September 2024, a total of 21,739 vegetarian meals and drinking water had been distributed. A survey by VISWASS also revealed that 672 particularly poor households are unable to provide themselves with emergency shelter or basic hygiene measures.

ChildRightNow is therefore collecting donations to provide the victims of the floods with food, clean drinking water and emergency shelter. We urgently request your support to continue the ongoing relief efforts. Thank you very much for your help!