Oxfam launches response to devastating disaster in Leh and appeals for your support
Oxfam to partner with Centre for Food Security and Sustainable Development in Ladakh (CENSFOOT) and Rural Development and You (RDY) to offer help to 9 villages - Nang, Stakmo, Choglamsar (Tashi Gyatsal), Phyang, taru, Umla, Nimoo, Basgo and Ney
New Delhi, August 13, 2010: With winter fast approaching and temperatures likely to dip to freezing degrees, those who have been rendered homeless run the risk of losing their lives if shelter is not provided to them immediately. Shelter options need to be worked out keeping in mind the fact that normal tarupaulin sheets will not help the flash flood survivors tide over the winter ides.
This has been revealed in an assessment carried out by Oxfam India in Leh by a two-member team which toured the affected villages to detail out the impact of flash floods in the area on August 5. It also looked at the condition of men and women in relief camps opened by the Government. As per their report, the other priorities that have emerged are drinking water, health and hygiene and bathing cubicles. ``Shelter has emerged as the single most important priority in Leh,’’ says Nisha Agrawal, CEO, Oxfam India. ``Since most of the houses and other infrastructure has collapsed and with winter fast approaching, there is a very brief window of opportunity in which we can help to rebuild the shelter and lives of people devastated by the cloudburst. We appeal to all of you to support us in this process.’’
