Oct. 13, 2013 – Cyclone Phailin has hit the southeastern coast of India with a speed of more than 200 kms per hour and an expected rainfall of 20 cms on Sunday 13 October.
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are the two most affected states with many districts severely affected. Over half a million people have been evacuated from coastal regions. Twelve districts are without power, water levels are rising dangerously in some areas, flights and trains are cancelled and huge numbers of people are living in cyclone shelters in challenging conditions. Sunday will be critical for the region.
CARE India has been pre-positioning items like water, water purification tablets, hygiene and survival kits, floor mats and solar lamps to respond to the emergency. “CARE has teams in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh who are assessing the needs of affected people,” said CEO and Country Director Dr. Muhammad Musa. “This cyclone is predicted to be India’s worst in the last 14 years, and we want to get help to people as fast as possible.”
About CARE India
CARE has been working in India for over 60 years, focusing on ending poverty and social injustice. We do this through well-planned and comprehensive programmes in health, education, livelihoods and disaster preparedness and response. Our overall goal is the empowerment of women and girls from poor and marginalised communities leading to improvement in their lives and livelihoods. We are part of the CARE International Confederation working in 86 countries for a world where all people live in dignity and security.
Media Contacts:
Nidhi Bhardwaj, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications, nbhardwaj@careindia.org, 989.117.8350