An intense heat wave has struck India. Over 300 million people have been affected. To make problems worse, water availability is extremely low. People need to walk many miles in order to find water and the extreme heat makes the journey dangerous. Already this summer the government estimates more than 370 people have died in relation to the heat wave. People suffering in poverty need safe water today.
The demand for water has stretched the infrastructure beyond its limits. People in outlying villages are without any ready source to gather safe water. People in their desperation are drinking whatever water they can find. Women are suffering, walking miles looking for water. Mothers are giving their children suspect water because they cry and cry. Driven by their thirst people are drinking unsafe, unclean, water. This leads to sickness and even death. The extreme heat has made life dangerous.
The solution is to bring water to those that have the most urgent need. A tanker truck can bring enough water to meet the immediate need of a village. Our local partners are ready to make this happen. They have identified the most needy villages. They will bring water directly to the people. You will provide them safe water that can be consumed without fear. No more risk in walking in the heat of summer to fetch water. $20 will provide one village of 400-500 people with one day of safe water.
We believe that organizations that are deeply rooted in local communities are often in the best position to provide long-term support for disaster victims. By funding the relief efforts of local NGOs, donations to this fund have the potential to build stronger capacity so that these NGOs are better equipped to face future disasters. By reaching into the villages where the need is greatest we will discover ways to assist them so that they will not experience this again year after year.
