How we are responding to coronavirus
At ShelterBox, we’re adapting how we work as coronavirus creates a new and deadly risk for families who have lost their homes.
Most Indian states experienced torrential monsoon rains and severe flash flooding from June until October in 2020.
Over 17 million people were affected across the country. The states of Assam, Bihar and Odisha were hit the hardest.
The disaster affected vulnerable families who were already in a tough situation. They were still recovering from the deadly effects of Super Cyclone Amphan and trying to protect themselves from the risk of coronavirus.
In the state of Odisha, flash flooding caused widespread destruction to homes, buildings and livelihoods.
Thousands of families were in need of shelter, including tarpaulins and other household items. There were no other agencies providing support in the area.
In India, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly every day. Restrictions on movement have made it challenging for emergency services and disaster relief efforts, and social distancing measures have made mass evacuations difficult.
But coronavirus only adds to the existing issues that vulnerable families face in Odisha.
People are struggling to make ends meet as chronic poverty is already widespread. Farmers who’ve lost their livelihoods because of the flooding cannot look for work in urban areas because of the pandemic.
Families also frequently face the impacts of extreme weather, such as severe floods and extreme monsoon seasons.
The coronavirus pandemic, poverty and extreme weather are all keeping communities from recovering from the flash flooding. Our emergency shelter is more needed than ever.
We have worked with our partner Habitat for Humanity India to support communities in two districts of Odisha.
After speaking with affected communities, we found out that despite the period of time since the flooding, people hadn’t received support.
Most people hadn’t been able to recover, as they couldn’t afford to buy materials to fix their homes.
We have supported families with shelter kits including tarpaulins, rope and tool kits, hygiene kits including soap, bucket and face masks, as well as other essential household items.
Distributions are now complete.