Share and Care Foundation steps up support for those affected by record monsoon rains across northern India.
PARAMUS, NJ—September 18, 2014—Catastrophic floods occurring around several villages in India’s Kashmir Valley have now affected over half a million people. Today, the Share and Care Foundation announced a commitment to address short- and long-term needs as part of a comprehensive relief campaign to combat the devastation caused by the record monsoon rains. [Donate Now]
The Situation in Kashmir is Horrific
Eight days of incessant rains have left most parts of Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu completely inundated. According to reliable sources, 220 people have died in the city of Srinagar and bodies are still being retrieved. Affected villagers have very little access to food and clean drinking water, causing rampant hunger and disease throughout the area. The exact number of casualties and extent of the damage remain unknown, however it has been reported that over 200 have died in other parts of the area, and hundreds of houses and buildings have collapsed, with many parts of the affected districts still submerged. Medical services are being badly hit with all but a single hospital still under water; the likelihood of an epidemic breaking out continues to threaten the region.
With the scale of damage and, now, winter round the corner, both an immediate and a long-term plan is inevitable in these districts. Accessibility and problematic communication channels continue to be big challenges. Share and Care plans to reach out to approximately 5,000 families in five districts of Srinagar in the next three weeks. Over the next week, our partner team in India will identify all locations and people and prepare a route map for distribution of relief material.
The initial funding of $10,000 from Share and Care includes humanitarian response that links immediate relief support, such as blankets, hygiene supplies, and medical kits, to the region over the next three weeks. With this recent commitment, Share and Care Foundation has committed over $100,000 toward fighting disease and other long-term rehab projects in Uttarakhand and, now, in Kashmir. The Kashmir Disaster requires dedicated, creative solutions. However, it also requires an accelerated and coordinated effort. Time is of the essence in this battle.
Next Steps
Share and Care will be involved in both relief and rehabilitation in the districts of Srinagar. Based on the assessment in Baramulla and Bandipora, we will also choose one district for relief and rehabilitation. Considering the extent of damage, we believe it will require relief for three months followed by rehabilitation for one and a half years.
We are confident that you will come forward with your compassionate contribution to help and heal.
How You Can Contribute
Go to Kashmir Disaster Response to make an online donation, or mail a check (Tax Exempt # 22-2458395) payable to:
Share & Care Foundation
Attn: Kashmir Disaster Relief
676 Winters Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
Share and Care, a volunteer-based non-profit foundation founded in 1982, has actively responded to several natural and man-made disasters throughout India, and in the United States. Through various NGO partners, Share and Care’s mission offers relief, rehabilitation, support, and promotes long-term, income-generating initiatives. Our efforts have benefited people affected by earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, cyclones, and have included the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Hurricane Katrina, and 9/11.
