Due to unusually heavy rains, the northern India state of Uttarakhand is experiencing severe flooding. Tourists and devout Hindus traditionally visit this area in the early summer but head down to the plains before July and the start of the monsoon season. However, when the heavy rains arrived earlier than expected hundreds of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and local residents found themselves stranded as the situation worsened. This is a remote mountain area and there are no International Churches of Christ there yet. We are grateful that HOPE worldwide India can help in the relief efforts.Saji Geevarghese, HOPE foundation's North India leader reports, "We were able to help lot of people today. About 5,000 pilgrims are still stuck in Manori and Harshill which are closer to Uttarkashi. These places are not accessible by foot. The pilgrims and tourists are being airlifted to Chinarsoli. Those rescued were provided with drinking water, medicines and food.
Local government officials have indicated that there is a great need for food items in Harshill. HOPE foundation, HOPE worldwide's India affiliate, has been distributing rice, sugar, tea leaves, footwear, biscuits, noodles, oatmeal, milk powder, fruit juice, candles, matches, and lighters to pilgrims rescued by the army. In the villages, the emerging news is that there is a dire need for food and drinking water. Many have lost their homes.We will continue to provide relief and keep an eye on emerging needs. Our goal is to explore ways we can make a long term difference. During the coming weeks, restoring and rebuilding houses may surface as a primary need.
Shared from HOPE worldwide.