In the wake of unprecedented floods and landslides in India’s regions of Jammu and Kashmir, United Way Worldwide has set up a recovery fund mobilizing resources from the U.S. and around the world to support a recovery and rebuilding effort for people in the affected areas. Donations will help United Way of India support relief, rescue and rehabilitation, as well as improve education, financial stability and health during the rebuilding period.
The Situation
- This is the most devastating flood in 60 years in the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
- Prime Minister of India has declared this disaster as national-level calamity: multi-agency rescue operation has been carried out by India’s Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, paramilitary forces and several government agencies have been scaled to speed up the rescue process. So far, over 230,000 people have been rescued.
- Around 400 villages have been badly affected, and remain heavily submerged in floods; as a result, many schools have closed.
- There is persistent fear about the spread of diarrhea, measles and other of water-borne diseases.
- Thousands of people are taking refuge in relief camps.
For more detail, see NDTV report for latest development.
Donate online at https://secure.worldwide.unitedway.org/2014IndiaFloodRecovery
Individuals or companies interested in making contributions greater than USD 2,500 can contact United Way’s International Donor Advising Giving (IDAG) team at +1-703-836-7112 x533 or email Kevin Carney, Director of IDAG.
USD-denominated checks can be mailed to:
United Way Worldwide
Attn: Finance Operation
P.O. Box 418607
Boston, MA 02241-8607
*Note: Please inform UWW of the incoming funds and indicate 2014 India Jammu & Kashmir Flood Recovery Fund.
You may also donate INR currency directly on United Way of India website: http://unitedwaymumbai.org/donation.htm
***
About United Way Worldwide
United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action—to give, advocate and volunteer—to improve conditions in their communities. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.
About United Way of India
United Way of India is a registered, non-profit organization that works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. United Way of India is the national organization for the United Way network in India and represents United Way Worldwide, a global community impact organization. In India, the United Way system works to address issues related to education, health, livelihood, environment and disaster response. Under the umbrella of United Way of India, local United Ways located in Bangalore, Baroda, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai work to create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant social issues. Local United Ways have the flexibility to customize their approaches to addressing their community's particular needs, while leveraging the talents and expertise of the nationwide system. Such a system has great capability of scaling up sustainable projects to improve lives nationwide.
Disaster Response Initiatives of United Way of India:
United Way has played a leadership role during major national calamities in the past including during Cyclone Phailin (2013), Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013), Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Floods (2009), Mumbai Terror attacks (2008), Bihar Floods (2008), Mumbai and Gujarat Floods (2005), Tsunami in Southern India (2004), Gujarat Earthquake (2001). During all these disasters, United Way has proactively responded to the needs of the disaster affected communities by leveraging its ability to mobilize resources from corporate and individual donors. United Way adopts a comprehensive approach for disaster response by emphasizing on immediate relief, mid-term relief and long term rehabilitation and community rebuilding. This includes:
- Mobilizing and channelizing of monetary and in-kind donations and volunteers
- Identification of credible NGO partners for on-ground implementation after thorough due diligence (on the basis of their past track record in disaster relief and rehabilitation, legal compliances, etc.)
- Thorough need assessment of the affected communities including consultations with the government, local organizations and local community.
- Facilitation and monitoring of relief and rehabilitation programs and efficient management of fund utilization.
- Tracking the progress of the response interventions and reporting to the donors. This includes keeping the local Government and government agencies apprised of the progress.
- Ensuring coordination between NGO partners, volunteer agencies and local government agencies for a comprehensive approach towards relief/ rehabilitation.