Orissa is prone to natural calamities. However, the people of Orissa faced the severest flood in July 2001 that anyone can ever remember.   It caused mass devastation and at least 89 people died.

For the last few years, the people of Orissa have been struggling with nature's fury: the drought of 1996, the heat wave of 1997, the super cyclone of 1999, the drought of  2000  and  then this  unimaginable  flood. 

Unable  to carry  the unexpected quantum of water, there was damage of river embankments at several points in low-lying areas. Many villages were completely submerged whilst others remained completely inaccessible. The situation was extremely hazardous with continuing heavy monsoon rains exacerbating the crisis.

• There was lack of food and safe drinking water, as well as specific baby food.

• Diseases like dysentery and fever were spreading among people and they were even dying of diarrhea.

• Normal transportation and communication links failed.

People, along with their cattle had to move onto higher ground - many thousands of people become displaced with no provisions. Others remained cut-off with no supplies.

• Thatched houses collapsed.

• The Government did not have enough access to enough rescue boats or helicopters.

• There was massive loss of crops and devastation of agricultural land.

• Poisonous snakes threatened the lives of people caught in the water.

The severity of the flood started on 18^th July 2001 and the water did not start to recede until after the high tides of the full moon period. But for many thousands of people, the damage had already caused complete havoc to their villages and their livelihoods are in ruins.

Our response

Vikash was one of the first NGOs on the scene. Due to the quick release of funds from ActionAid, we were immediately able to send tarpaulins for temporary shelters, and dried food and medicines to our operational area in Gop Block of Puri District.

The conditions were exceptionally treacherous but we were able to  reach  some of  the victims that had not been reached by the Government’s relief programme. We also provided much needed primary health services by doctors and paramedics in this project area. Further provisions followed in Astarang and Kakatpur Blocks.

The next stage

The second stage of relief is restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of new homes, for example:

• Farmers need new seed, seedling and manure provisions in order to cultivate new crops;

• Livestock need care in the form of new shelter and feed;

• Small businesses need to access small loans to restart their enterprises;

• New low cost housing schemes need implementing.

We hope to build upon our positive response to this catastrophe by being prepared for such disasters in the future along with the other agencies working in our area.