Balasore Flood Relief

Low pressure over Bay of Bengal turned into depression triggering heavy rains continuously for three days from 17th June' 2008 in the coastal district of Balasore, Orissa. As rainwater fed the upper catchment area, 3 major rivers Subrna Rekha, Budhabalanga and Jalaka swelled above the danger level and flooded 500 villages under 80 Gram panchayats in 6 blocks of Balasore. This is the first flood this season. In the last couple of years i.e. year 2006 and 2007 the district of Balasore has been experiencing continuous flood due to heavy torrential rain as well as faulty construction of national highway 60 without proper and adequate diversion of flood waters.

EFICOR in partnership with TEAR Fund UK plans to provide relief to 3 worst affected blocks of Basta, Jaleswar and Baliapal for 1000 families. The 1st phase relief would meet the immediate needs of the community consisting of food materials, utensils, mat and mosquitoes net. It is proposed to provide shelter for the families whose houses have been completely washed out in the 2nd phase.

The need assessment was completed by EFICOR staff Mr. Harshananda Pradhan. A team of four including EFICOR's project partner in Balasore conducted a rapid survey. Personal visits and consultation with the ward members of the village, Sarpanch, and Government representatives in the villages facilitated in making accurate need assessments.

The relief operation in partnership with Orissa Follow up would provide a relief kit consisting of rice, dal, oil, salt, groceries, mat, utensils and mosquito net 1000families in Baliapan, Hathigarh and Basta blocks of Balasore district.