Government Assists Flood Affected Population of Orissa, India.

The Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance & Human Rights, Ms. Liz O'Donnell TD, today announced an emergency assistance package totalling £250,000 for the people affected by flooding in the eastern Indian State of Orissa.

In announcing the package, Minister of State O'Donnell said “ The severe flooding which has affected Orissa has caused further suffering in a State which is still recovering from the effects of the devastating cyclone which occurred at the end of 1999. The aid announced today will provide basic shelter, food and medicines to the most affected communities and is a continuation of the Government's humanitarian commitment to that area”.

The heavy rains have led to flash floods over most of the state, one of the poorest in India. More than 8 million people are affected with more than eleven districts still waterlogged as the floodwater slowly recedes. The Government of Orissa, the Indian army and navy continue to deliver emergency items to stranded populations. The Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has recently visited Orissa to assess the situation and to offer further emergency support to the region.

Of the £250,000 aid package announced today, a grant of £103,000 is being provided to the Irish NGO, GOAL, which is carrying out emergency relief activities in Puri District. A further £100,000 has been allocated to Concern, which is providing food and other essential items to the most severely affected families. The remaining £47,000 is being provided for other emergency efforts - Ireland Aid is in discussion with Trócaire, which is also actively responding to the emergency, in relation to a possible submission for funding .Top