GLIDE no. TC-2009-000105 IND
This bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. Indian Red Cross Society will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population in the country.
On 25 May, cyclone AILA hit costal Bengal affecting over 1.5 million people. Up to 96 deaths have been reported so far and over 500,000 houses have been damaged either fully or partially.
The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) national headquarters and branches responded quickly to the disaster. Preliminary assessments have been carried out and relief items including tarpaulins and clothes have been despatched from the IRCS's to affected branches for further distribution to the affected people. IRCS staff and volunteers have also been mobilized to provide support in search and rescue, distributions and medical aid.
The Situation
Cyclone AILA which hit coastal West Bengal on 25 May, 2009 is described as one of the worst storms to hit Kolkata in 20 years. Over 5.1 million people have been affected in 16 districts of West Bengal. The damage impact assessment carried out by the government of West Bengal and the United Nations Ddevelopment Programme (UNDP) has reported 96 deaths, out of which 25 were caused by a landslide in Darjeeling. Over 500,000 houses are damaged either fully or partially. The storm is especially devastating for farmers who were preparing to harvest rice and other crops.
According to media sources, the Sundarbans national park was worst-hit, where as many as three million people live in the forests. Government rescue operations are underway, with approximately 60,000 people rescued and have been accommodated in government relief camps. Local media reports also indicate that food packets are being dropped by military helicopters in the affected areas.
Red Cross and Red Crescent action
The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) national headquarters has already established links with the IRCS West Bengal state branch and the disaster management centre at state branch level has been alerted. The Secretary General of the IRCS has reviewed the situation after the cyclone hit West Bengal and necessary directions have been given to the National Society's disaster management unit which is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with the chairman of the IRCS West Bengal branch. IRCS volunteers are also involved in search and rescue operations, distribution of relief items and are also working with the district medical teams.
IRCS assessed its disaster preparedness stocks available with different warehouses and the items were released on the basis of assessment reports and requirements from the state branch. A total of five water and sanitation units are stored in the IRCS Salt Lake warehouse in Kolkata and two units are ready for deployment if needed. The national disaster response team (NDRT) has also been alerted and will be mobilized if the situation worsens and national-level intervention is required.
Presently, IRCS national headquarters is releasing non-food items including 5,000 pieces of tarpaulin, 2,000 pieces of saree and 1,000 pieces each of gents' dhoti and children's garments, as requested by the West Bengal state branch. The total value of the relief items is approximately INR 2,950,000 (CHF 67,500), and all items are being sent from the IRCS Salt Lake warehouse in Kolkata.
