The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has been suffering from flooding since the monsoon rains began in June and early July this year. There have been heavy rains and flooding all across the state the past three weeks; leading to floods in river Godavari, and the rising water level in river Krishna. Authorities have announced a high alert in the flood-hit areas. However the situation has worsened with levels of the river Godavari dangerously high. While flooding in the area is common, the cyclonic patterns have brought more rain making life difficult for those residing in the area.
Hundreds of villages were deserted in Khammam and West and East Godavari districts due to the incessant rain and consistent flooding. Around 1,200 people have been displaced in East Godavari district, having to move to higher ground during the floods. People from the villages under threat in West Godavari district have also been moved to higher ground. Many villages have been overcome by flood waters for several days; leaving them with scarce supplies and necessities. Venomous snakes are entering the villages. It has become difficult for farmers to graze their cattle. Agriculture has suffered and about 100,000 hectares of farmland remain under water.
We have two churches in Lanka area, and one on the coastline of the Godavari River. The Churches there, with the support of the South India Conference, have started to do their part in helping the people. Though water is receding slowly, the woes of people living in Lanka villages are far from over. Brother Samuel Moses and team have distributed blankets to some of the members but, we still need to help providing food and more blankets for families!
Will you give now to help our churches reach out to the affected areas of Andhra Pradesh, India?
To donate now to People to People Ministries (Project #09055D) go to: https://iphc.org/donations/projects/disaster-relief
