United Way
BIHAR RELIEF FUND |
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In Unity There is Strength |
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United Way Mumbai is mobilizing support rapidly in response to the crisis triggered by the River Kosi – River of Sorrow in Bihar and launching a relief fund to meet the vital demands of disaster stricken families. United Way Mumbai will be working in close contact with partner NGOs, other institutions and partner corporates in the affected region to determine which region needs aid initially and how the aid can be delivered effectively and ensure that the assistance reaches the worst affected regions.
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Pledge for United Way
'BIHAR FLOOD RELIEF'
"We appeal to corporates al across India the world to pledge generously towards the United Way Bihar Relief Fund."
Kindly make a cheque payment out to 'United Way of Mumbai'. Please mention Bihar Flood Relief' at the back of the cheque and courier it to:
United Way Mumbai
309, Kewal Industrial Estate, Senapati Bapat Marg,
Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013.
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Tragedy Strikes Bihar |
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Districts inundated – Supaul, Saharasa, Araria, Madhepura, Purnia, Katihar and Khagaria |
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Population affected – Press reports 2.5 million marooned in 441 affected villages, but MPA (Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs) estimates 4 million people affected. |
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Land under water – 65,000 hectares |
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Source – The Hindustan Times, 27 August 2008 and modified by MPA |
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Disaster Relief Top Agenda |
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Emergency relief operations involving provision of food, safe drinking water and temporary shelters, extension of medical assistance and provision of boats for facilitating movement of the marooned |
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Rehabilitative efforts involving reconstruction of damaged settlements and restoration of livelihoods |
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Diversification of livelihood support base |
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Strengthening community level coping mechanisms through organisation building and institutional development and promotion of grain banks and contingency fund reserves (gram kosh) amidst affected communities |
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Building community capacities to act as first responders in the event of floods |
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Networking with all relevant stakeholders around a shared perspective, towards addressing the issue of Bihar floods at all the levels of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery |
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| Receding Bihar Flood Waters Expose Dead, Damage |
| By Michael Coggan and Claire Mackay, 2nd September 2008 |
| Initial reports suggest at least 2,000 people have died in the northern Indian state of Bihar as floodwaters start to recede. |
| The swollen Kosi River has started to drop but 500,000 people remain stranded without food or drinkable water. |
| Local television is reporting 2,000 people have died in the flood. |
| In a sign of how desperate the situation is, hundreds of people who have gone without food for more than a week attacked police and raided a food store in Madhapura overnight. |
| The Indian Army has sent in more troops but Lieutenant General HS Panang says it will take more time to respond to the disaster. |
| "[The] whole operation itself will get into full swing in 48 hours and after that we'll see," he said. |
| Bihar's disaster minister, Nitish Mishra, says it will take another week to reach those in need. |
| Officials say it could take six months before the flood waters subside |
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