Oxfam America Aids Flood Victims in East IndiaBy Urban Green Investments

Urban Green Investments has donated $1,000 to Oxfam America, which provided more than 5,000 homes in Eastern India with humanitarian aid following severe flooding in early December. 

Unprecedented rainfall hit the region in late November, and the ensuing floods left 270 people dead and thousands without homes or vehicles.

As the water overwhelmed local infrastructure, Oxfam dispatched teams to Chennai and Cuddalore, two areas hit hardest by the flooding, to work with local groups and other NGOs. 

Teams quickly identified clean water and sanitation as the most pressing needs and arranged water tankers to be sent to the area. 

Oxfam also supplied mosquito nets, soap, water purifying tablets, and hygiene kits to people affected by the flooding. 

Zubin Zaman, Oxfam India deputy director of humanitarian and DRR, said that the flooding caused breakdowns in drainage and sewer systems that could lead to the spread of waterborne diseases.

“Apart from providing clean drinking water, once the rain stops, the biggest challenge will be cleaning of debris, de-silting and setting up emergency sanitation facilities,” Zaman said.

Oxfam plans to be stationed in the area for six months during recovery efforts.