In 1999 a cyclone in the same area killed 10,000 people, but only 23 people are reported to have been killed by this cyclone, largely thanks to the evacuation of a million people to temporary shelters by the authorities. However, there are still very considerable humanitarian needs in the region, with nine million people affected and large numbers displaced to cyclone shelters and spontaneous camps.
Over 8.5 million people in 1450 villages of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh affected Over 200,000 houses have beenfully or partially damaged Over 300,000 hectares of crop damaged
With the help of local partners, Oxfam India plans to reach 60,000 people with safe water, sanitation and shelter, in both camps and villages affected by the cyclone. We have a stock of water and sanitation (WASH) materials on standby and ready for deployment. In Odisha we have WASH stocks for 2500 households and are moving another 2,000 hygiene and tarpaulin sets to the region. Chlorine tablets and water purifiers are also being dispatched.
Many lives were saved because of quick action by the government. Progress in communication and planning in the face of a natural disaster is evident. Helping with the recovery and rebuilding will ensure that the areas hit hardest will have the opportunity to thrive and become stronger.
