World Vision New Zealand commits $200,000 to Bihar floods

Sept 3, 2008

World Vision India aims to raise US$1 million

• Aim to target 15,000 families
• Relief operations underway

As floodwaters continue to rise in Madhepura district, Bihar State, an exodus of people are fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in relief camps. World Vision India has appealed for US$1 million to reach the increasing number of affected children and their families. Diarrhoea and other water borne diseases are threatening those impacted by the floods.

World Vision New Zealand has committed NZD$200,000 from its HAF fund (Humanitarian Action Fund) which is financed by a grant from NZAID. The NGO HAF fund is a contestable fund that is open to accredited New Zealand-based NGOs that are partnered with in-country counterpart organisations for emergency and disaster relief, rehabilitation and preparedness/mitigation activities. World Vision New Zealand -- with a proven trackrecord in emergency relief -- has pre-qualified funds from NZAID ready to be mobilised in situations such as this.

World Vision New Zealand is also accepting donations from members of the New Zealand public who wish to assist with emergency relief.

World Vision India has identified the relief camps where it will provide assistance and aims to target 15,000 families. Distributions have begun in Saharsa relief camps where families received survival kits consisting of pulse, rice, sugar, candles and matches. Food and non-food items are needed. World Vision is working on moving them from pre-positioned stock across the country.

Around 3000 Kiwis sponsor children in our Dumaria Area Development Programme in eastern Bihar however this project has not been affected by the flood so far.

click here to donate