Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust and ASMITA continue to offer service and support to those affected by the Varanasi floods 5 weeks after the floodwaters began to inundate homes.
The reconstruction of lives and homes is now well underway. For some, the process has begun of slowly collecting again the discarded materials from which their shanties could be reconstructed: bricks, iron sheeting, cloths, wood pieces, and anything that can be found. Those who have little are amazingly innovative in constructing shelter from the sun, wind and rain. For others, this has not been as easy. The land that was their home has been washed away. The entire structure has collapsed and/or has been swept away. In still other cases, the land under the building has dissolved, leaving the building on unstable foundations.
The planning to assist with these reconstructions is now underway. Those most in need are being identified and materials being budgeted. Due to the large number affected, support will be provided on an as-needed basis, taking into account those most severely damaged as well as the financial ability of the families to reconstruct. For example, in Samne Ghat, one of the worst hit areas, the homes of many families whose only income comes from begging were completely washed away, leaving them homeless.
The planning to assist with these reconstructions is now underway. Those most in need are being identified and materials being budgeted. Due to the large number affected, support will be provided on an as-needed basis, taking into account those most severely damaged as well as the financial ability of the families to reconstruct. For example, in Samne Ghat, one of the worst hit areas, the homes of many families whose only income comes from begging were completely washed away, leaving them homeless.
At this time, sludge and mud are still a considerable problem for those communities living directly on the banks of the Ganges. Until this clears, dries or becomes stable land, it is not possible for some families to return to their previous working or living sites. Many of the famous ghats are still covered by mud too. At Assi Ghat, fire hoses are still being used to clear huge areas of mud. This water has cut a path through the mud showing a mud depth of at least 7-8ft. Two hoses are being used to laboriously spray the area, ensuring that it is cleared safely and there is no collapse. From my own experience and in many areas adjacent to the river stepping on the mud means sinking into this sludge to knee depth or more. One such mistake so firmly grabbed me in the mud that I was unable to free myself for a very distressing several minutes and cost me my walking scandals too.
Concurrently, the medical camps are ongoing and will continue for at least another two weeks. In addition to the fevers, skin and digestive disorders prevalent in the past camps, some of the poorer communities are now exhibiting signs of malnourishment arising after the harsh conditions these people have endured for over a month. They were already struggling before the flood and the additional hardship is taking its toll, particularly on the children. These people receive medicines, vitamins and support from our camps. Those whom need more in-depth medical assistance are directed to a hospital to receive advanced diagnosis and treatment.
We have also planned several final food distributions to the areas which were the last to have the floodwaters recede. In many cases, these were also amongst the hardest hit areas. Many of the villagers now recognize the 'people in white clothes' of the Sai Maa community as having made this assistance available, and happily greet us when we arrive in their area. Life is gradually resuming for the poor of these communities along the Ganges, Assi and Varuna rivers and your donations have been a blessing to these people.
Concurrently, the medical camps are ongoing and will continue for at least another two weeks. In addition to the fevers, skin and digestive disorders prevalent in the past camps, some of the poorer communities are now exhibiting signs of malnourishment arising after the harsh conditions these people have endured for over a month. They were already struggling before the flood and the additional hardship is taking its toll, particularly on the children. These people receive medicines, vitamins and support from our camps. Those whom need more in-depth medical assistance are directed to a hospital to receive advanced diagnosis and treatment.
We have also planned several final food distributions to the areas which were the last to have the floodwaters recede. In many cases, these were also amongst the hardest hit areas. Many of the villagers now recognize the 'people in white clothes' of the Sai Maa community as having made this assistance available, and happily greet us when we arrive in their area. Life is gradually resuming for the poor of these communities along the Ganges, Assi and Varuna rivers and your donations have been a blessing to these people.
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