Flood victims wait to receive Salvation Army assistance
The Salvation Army is providing aid to thousands of people affected by the cyclone that hit the Andhra Pradesh region of India. In many places villages were isolated and their inhabitants had to be evacuated by the military. It is estimated that 50,000 people have been displaced in Andhra Pradesh, with thousands more affected along the west coast of the country.
In spite of great difficulties, Salvation Army personnel have distributed rice rations and cooked food for up to 20,000 families, after wading through deep water to distribute emergency rations. Electricity supplies and telephone links have been badly hit and many buildings were completely destroyed. Even in areas where the water has receded, people have returned to find their houses damaged beyond repair. The Salvation Army is currently assessing the extent of the damage and looking at long-term ways to help these people.
Food production has been devastated as many fields were flooded and any crops destroyed. The Salvation Army is expecting to continue supplying food parcels for another month.
Colonel M. C. James, Territorial Commander of the India Central Territory, writes, 'The people are suffering very much ... we need to do more to help thousands of people in Andhra Pradesh. Please remember these people in your special prayers.'
International Headquarters
