Helping newborns in SOS relief camps in India
22/09/2008
On August 18, the Kosi River in Nepal burst its banks and submerged many inhabited areas, destroying homes and crops. After it changed its course, it wreaked havoc in Bihar, India, forcing countless people to flee their homes, most of them taking only the bare essentials with them. Although the water level is gradually receding, 300,000 people are still homeless.
In response to the flooding, SOS Children has set up three relief camps that are providing shelter, food, and medical services to those in need. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable and are in urgent need of medical support so they can give birth safely. We have set up two relief camps in school buildings in Belouri, Purnia and one has been established at Baharia in the district of Araria, which is providing food for 315 people from 79 families, all from the destroyed village of Kalabadhua.
Pregnant women in particular are desperate for adequate medical services. Gopal, aged 69, lost his home and his crops. His daughter gave birth on the roadside and needed urgent medical attention. SOS staff from the nearby SOS relief camp in Purnia heard what had happened and took her to the camp for the medical staff to look after her. 25 expectant mothers are also at the camp receiving help. Gopal’s daughter and granddaughter are now doing well.
None of our sponsored children have been directly injured in the flooding.
Relevant Countries: India.