The need
Unprecedented monsoons in 2019 resulted in floods that created havoc across various states in lndia. The rain led to rise in the level of Krishna River, causing flooding in several parts of Western Maharashtra and North Karnataka. Floods also affected parts of Bihar and Kerala.
After careful assessment, SEEDS chose to focus on Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra; Belagavi district in Karnataka; Patna and Saharsa districts in Bihar; and Wayanad district in Kerala.
How we helped
SEEDS created an overall plan that focused on immediate relief with hygiene kits and footwear; and early recovery with a focus on repairing schools, and WaSH initiatives.
Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions
A critical impending threat in the affected areas is of waterborne diseases that erupt a few days after such disasters. Water, sanitation and hygiene are areas to be addressed urgently to avoid the spread of such diseases.
SEEDS addressed this in a few ways. We distributed 1250 hygiene kits to affected families in Maharashtra and Bihar. We’re cleaning 60 wells using chlorination techniques to re-establish access to potable water for marginalised communities in Maharashtra. Finally, we also carried out awareness campaigns within the community. These focussed on sensitising people on safe water handling and sanitation practices and encouraging a community led initiative towards safe drinking water.
Footwear for 6922 affected children in Kerala and Karnataka
Supported by Bata, SEEDS distributed shoes to children across 15 schools and 90 anganwadis in Belagavi district, Karnataka; and 17 anganwadis across Wayanad district, Kerala.
Repairing and restoring nine schools and 14 damaged anganwadis
In terms of early recovery, SEEDS is looking at repairing and restoring nine schools and 14 anganwadis across the intervention districts. While the specifics vary for each school, the interventions all follow our approach of building back better; creating a more comfortable, safe and hygienic learning environment. Among others, this includes upgradation of drinking water and sanitation facilities; repair to the physical structure of the school buildings; the additions of playful child-friendly elements; and disaster risk reduction & hygiene trainings.
Over 1100 students were also provided with student kits, aiding children who lost their books and stationery during the floods.