Thursday 4 September 2008

Caritas local partners are continuing to deliver medical assistance, sanitation, food, clean water and shelter to thousands of victims of the Kosi River flood in Bihar.

Speaking from New Delhi, Caritas Australia’s Humanitarian Group Leader, Melville Fernandez said immediate assistance being delivered through Caritas India and its local and provincial partners was food and shelter with medical teams providing comfort and emergency assistance.

"Caritas India have an efficient team of volunteers, local leaders and community based organizations that have been working in the affected districts of Bihar for a long period of time," Mr Fernandez said.

"Caritas partners are well placed to effectively deliver a range of emergency relief measures earmarked for the region as they have a good geographic knowledge of the region and a good rapport with the communities.

"Caritas will fulfil a request from the Indian Government to oversee the operation of their relief camps for the next 4-5 months as further aid and support is delivered into the region.

"These measures include establishing medically equipped health camps from both Caritas and the Indian Government to provide emergency medical assistance.

"Doctors and medical personnel are being sought from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore and the Holy Family Hospital in Patna along with other necessary personnel as they are trained to deal with a disaster of this magnitude.

"There are 25 water and sanitation specialists from AFPRO, a technical organisation associated with Caritas India, that have offered their services to address the potential outbreak of fatal water borne diseases.

"Caritas partners are distributing food packets, cooking equipment, stoves, pots and other kitchen utensils to around 45,000 families in the worst affected villages to address the issue of food supplies.

"Other response measures by Caritas include the supply of basic clothing, blankets, floor mats and sheeting along with temporary shelter solutions of canvasses and tents.

"Caritas is working collaboratively with all involved authorities and organizations in Bihar to ensure we are doing all we can to  provide relief, dignity and a return to a normal life for the many thousands of families and individuals displaced by this catastrophe."

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Caritas Australia is currently working with Caritas India to meet the humanitarian needs of the survivors providing medical assistance, sanitation, food, clean water and shelter. Those wishing to support this appeal can do so by calling the Melbourne Office of Caritas on 9926 5706, or 1800 024 413. You can donate online at www.caritas.org.au or by mailing your donation to:Caritas Australia, 383 Albert Street, East Melbourne Vic 3002.