Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged $10,000 to flood relief in northeast India, where 2.5 million people are estimated homeless.
Caritas Director Michael Smith said, "These are the worst floods to hit this region in 50 years. Our funds will support an international Caritas response providing food, temporary shelter, and essential non-food items to 270,000 people in Bihar province."
The New Zealand support adds to a worldwide appeal by the Caritas network of 162 Catholic aid and development organisations for US$5.6 million. Caritas will also provide health and hygiene services to affected families, and is planning a six-month relief and rehabilitation response to help people recover.
Flooding has affected large areas of India and Nepal after monsoon rains caused the Kosi river to burst through an embankment in Nepal, and change course.
"The river is making its own course, expanding the affected area, and it could grow worse with possible downpours in the coming days," said Mr Smith.
Caritas India and Catholic Relief Services (Caritas USA) are carrying out the relief work on the ground.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is accepting donations, and will direct them to the Caritas Internationalis relief effort. Donations can be made online at www.caritas.org.nz, by phoning tollfree 0800 22 10 22, or by posting to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Wellington.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 162 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.
For more information contact Martin de Jong, Communications and International Advocacy Coordinator: +64-4-496 1742 or +64-21-909 688.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
People raise their hands during a protest demanding for permanent housing after floods damaged their homes in the city of Patna, the capital of the eastern Indian state of Bihar, September ...
