GIS mapping for flood-affected Bihar, India

Paris, France, October 23, 2007: Following the unprecedented floods that devastated the State of Bihar in North East India this summer, ACTED started its emergency response operations with the primary aim of assisting flood-affected populations upon return to their homes. In collaboration with our local partner, Bihar Sewa Samti (BSS), our assessment team conducted field visits to pre-selected areas of Bisfi Block, in the district of Madhubani. In addition to its field activities, ACTED will also support the wider flood response operation by promoting the use of GIS mapping among emergency response stakeholders.

With financial support of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) and the help of BSS, ACTED has since launched an operation in the municipality of Rathos to assist 2180 households (approximately 10,000 individuals). The criteria for the selection of the supported households included the level of devastation caused by the flood as well as their socio-economic vulnerability, most of the selected beneficiaries belonging to the dalit (or untouchable) cast.

Shelters will be constructed for families who have lost their homes according to local traditions and available materials. They will be elevated by a brick wall to ensure that they are above the highest flood level, preventing future damage from floods.

Community infrastructure such as roads and common buildings will be repaired through a cash-for-work scheme employing at least 80% of the households in the target area. In addition to the infrastructural repairs, the scheme will also bring a much-needed source of income to the area, supporting the local population with temporary jobs until they can go back to work on their fields.


Source : http://www.acted.org