Devastating floods that ravaged several states in southern and western India at the start of October, not only caused physical and structural damage, but also wreaked havoc with fragile emotions – especially those of vulnerable younger ones. 

It was night time when 10-year-old Karunakar was awakened from his sleep by a deafening noise. It was a policeman banging on the front door, alerting the family of four to vacate their home immediately. Half asleep, Karunakar stumbled out of bed, only to step knee-deep into rising water. Dumbfounded, he realised their house was filling up fast with the very same water.

"I was so scared; I thought I was going to die,” recalls Karunakar.

His mother, Sunita, grabbed his hand and pulled him to higher ground, along with his two siblings.

"Apart from the children and some money, there was no time to take any other belongings," says the 25-year-old single mother.

This frightening episode, one of so many, took place on October 3 at the Taraka Rama Nagar slum on the banks of the Krishna River on the outskirts of the city of Vijayawada in southern Andhra Pradesh state.

After spending the rest of the night huddled outside, Karunakar and his family could not believe their eyes at daybreak when they saw their entire house completely submerged by water.

"The day before the floods came, I was playing with my friend inside our house. Today, I cannot even see it!" says Karunakar in total disbelief.

The floodwater has started subsiding, but most of the houses in the area still are under water. At first, Karunakar and his family were surviving in an abandoned shed, wearing the same clothes they wore on that fearful night.

With the money Sunita grabbed and utensils she borrowed from neighbours, Sunita was able to take care of her children. However, the money has now run out and they are depending on the government and non-government organisations (NGOs) such as World Vision for food and other necessities.

Relief camps

Relief camps have been set up near Taraka Rama Nagar slum where food and other emergency materials are being provided to the homeless. Both the government and NGOs are operating in this area. However, with the number of affected families having increased to over 3000, the need is even greater.

At the moment, World Vision is focusing its emergency relief support on 600 of the most vulnerable families, including Karunakar, his mum and siblings. Cooked food and non-food items, such as clothing, tarpaulins, mats and mosquito nets, are being provided to those most in need.

But, hundreds of thousands of people are still homeless and completely dependent on aid.

People who want to make a donation, may do so through World Vision New Zealand’s Asia-Pacific Emergency Relief Fund by going to https://www.worldvision.org.nz/Donations