After heavy rainfall last month caused severe flooding in Maharashtra, India, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded to 500 families affected by the flooding with emergency aid and supplies.

Each family received approximately 20 pounds of food, a blanket, a hygiene kit, and education on proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

“Special emphasis was given to vulnerable and marginalized families,” noted Paulo Lopes, country director for ADRA India. “Women, children, elderly and disabled persons, people with HIV or AIDS, and those who were socially or ethnically [disadvantaged] remained the top consideration.”

ADRA International, ADRA’s regional office in Thailand, and the Southern Asia Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church funded the project, which is valued at US$10,000.

According to reports by the Ministry of Home Affairs of India, millions of people have been affected by the severe flooding that began July 24 and has left more than 1,000 people dead, 175 injured, and 25 missing. The flooding also damaged local infrastructure, destroying homes, crops, and livestock. A local Indian paper reported that the flooding caused US$3.5 billion in losses.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.