Dual calamity as floods hit India’s Bihar state amid pandemic

Life has come to a standstill in much of India’s Bihar State as a ferocious monsoon season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus cases continue to climb, even as the floods affect millions across the state. Access to services and essential items has been disrupted, with women and children affected most severely.

A rapid needs assessment by UNFPA partner Plan India showed alarming conditions for many flood-affected communities: displaced families living in cramped temporary shelters with a complete lack of privacy for girls; pregnant women unable to receive regular antenatal care; lavatories submerged under floodwater; seriously limited access to sanitary napkins.

UNFPA and Plan are working together to provide a gender-sensitive flood response in Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur, two of the worst-affected districts.

Together, the partners have distributed more than 5,600 dignity kits, which contain supplies necessary to help maintain personal hygiene, including sanitary pads, underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap.

The volunteers also conducted door-to-door surveys with local health workers. Afterward, they provided a list of pregnant women whose antenatal care had been disrupted to government officials, auxiliary nurse midwives, and health centres, facilitating follow-up care.

Today, as the floodwaters recede and people slowly begin to return to their homes, UNFPA and its partners are looking ahead to the communities’ longer-term needs. The double calamity of the natural disaster and pandemic has left marginalized and impoverished groups even more vulnerable.

Original source: UNFPA