Earlier this month, Hyderabad was hit by heavy rains and strong winds for three days straight, bringing the normal life of the busy city and surrounding areas to a halt. The floods have disrupted the lives of 21 Khoja families who live in the area. As well as causing damage, the floods have also impacted people’s livelihoods, which had already been severely reduced by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, leaving them struggling even more.
Of the 21 affected Khoja families, 9 of these are families of widows who don’t otherwise have regular incomes and are largely dependent on support to see them through their normal lives.
We have been working with India Federation to assess the immediate and longer-term needs of our community members in the area. There is a longer-term need to repair the damage the floods have caused, but India Federation have also identified a more urgent need. Due to the loss of income, families are struggling with their day to day needs so we are distributing emergency relief packs, which include nutritional food items, relief for damages, and emergency medical support.
In the coming days and weeks, India Federation will continue to assess the situation on the ground so we can respond to the needs of our community as they arise and support them through this difficult time.
WF-AID responds to emergency situations as they arise around the world. If you would like to contribute to our Emergency Appeal, funds of which will be used for any upcoming emergency situations, you can donate here.