Cyclone Fani made landfall along the coast of Odisha on May 3, severely affecting infrastructure and the livelihoods of millions, leaving behind a death toll of 38. Kuchha houses and small shops have been destroyed, roads are blocked, electricity lines and communication lines are down, and crops and plantation have suffered heavy losses.
CARE India is responding to this disaster. A four-member team has been deployed for a rapid needs assessment in some of the worst-affected villages in Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur/Khordha districts. Connectivity is very poor, making it very difficult to make head-way into the remote interiors. As per CARE’s response strategy, the organisation is focussing on the districts/areas that are not only affected badly, but also have a higher chance of being not served/under served.
“We are analysing the impact of Fani in inaccessible and the worst affected districts. Emergency shelter is an immediate need as we continue to make our way further inland. undertake rapid assessment today, based on information collected by team today, an immediate response strategy will rolled out, said Md Wasi Alam, Acting Head -Disaster Management Unit, CARE India.
In preparation for this disaster, CARE pre-positioned its relief kit stocks to ensure quick distribution. During a response of this nature, CARE is especially sensitive to the needs of most disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised populations which include women and girls. The comprehensive relief kits include shelter provisions like tarpaulin, ropes and blankets; sanitation and cleaning items for women and girls; and disease preventing products like bleaching powder.
“CARE has been working in Odisha for several years, making Bhubaneswar an important centre of operations. We have been monitoring the situation closely, and taken necessary actions to respond to the impact of Cyclone Fani”, said Shantamay Chatterjee, Regional Project Director based in Bhubaneshwar.
The relief efforts will be undertaken by CARE India staff trained to respond during emergencies. This roster of emergency response personnel has been activated and concerned staff are on stand-by. Emergency teams deployed for a rapid needs assessment and relief distribution teams are gender balanced.
CARE has been responding to natural disasters across India for decades including the Super Cyclone in 1999 of similar intensity which ravaged Odisha. Other key interventions include the Bhuj Earthquake and the Tsunami response in Tamil Nadu where CARE India was involved for over a decade in relief, recovery and rehabilitation
Media contacts
Md Wasi Allam, Acting Head – Disaster Management Unit
+91-87430-13773
Kaushik Mitra, Head – Marketing and Communication
+91-85276-97794
