India Update: Flooding and Landslides

CCF- India's National Director, Dola Mohapatra, has confirmed reports of flooding and massive landslides in the Mahad Raigad District where CCF is currently working. The Community Office from which CCF operates in this area, has been completely inundated by water and mud. CCF Staff have reported that everything has been lost including vehicles and equipment. A laboratory and dispensary were also destroyed.

The army has taken over the disaster area to conduct rescue operations and would not allow civilians to enter the area. There are a number of people missing as well as a number that have lost their lives but confirmation of how many has not yet been finalized as recovery efforts are continuing.

Some CCF staff members have been traveling to affected areas, some 20 hours away, to assess the situation and provide assistance in rescue efforts. Five villages have been declared high risk and families evacuated to camps where relief materials will be needed.

The government has declared a red alert and asked people not to venture out as the heavy rains are continuing to fall and more landslides are being reported.