World

Christians send aid, funds to India flood zone

There are reports of bodies and animal carcasses in the flood waters which are increasing fears of outbreaks of disease and diarrhoea. As the flood water recedes into the River Ganga, the death toll is likely to increase.

Tearfund partner organisations Eficor, Discipleship Centre and Emmanuel Hospital Association have meanwhile been distributing food to relief camps.

Three of the 15 districts affected by the floods – Madhepura, Supaul and Saharsa - are completely covered by water.

"The water has inundated the area so much that no land in these places is showing," said Prince David, from Tearfund in Delhi.

There are also reports that there is no telephone communication in the region, making communication and reaching communities difficult.

"Because the river burst its banks with such force and actually changed course, many regions were completely covered by the flooding," said David. "Now, our worry is of risk of disease spreading."

David Bainbridge, Tearfund’s Disaster Management Director said: "The scale of this disaster is immense. Through the efforts of our partners on the ground we will continue to provide food and immediate support and address the longer term needs of those affected."

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