ODISHA – World Vision is providing ongoing humanitarian assistance in India, after major coastal cities and communities were hit by cyclone Fani. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes. Many live in constant fear for when the next storm may strike.

In response World Vision is helping to rebuild homes and livelihoods as well as provide child friendly spaces.

Following Cyclone Fani which hit India’s coastline last month killing at least 16 people, children’s charity World Vision UK continues to bring urgent relief to thousands of people affected by the natural disaster.

Franklin Jones, head of humanitarian and emergency affairs at World Vision India has the latest on how they are responding particularly for the many children impacted by this crisis.

“The challenge for them was the children, taking care of the children, so we immediately started our child friendly spaces, which was 32 children friendly space in the community we started. Most of the children as it happens after each disaster they were traumatized and they were not receiving shelter and food.

Another cyclone was recently headed to India but fortunately subsided, however those who were forced to flee their homes remain in constant fear for when the next storm will strike. In response World Vision is providing longer-term practical help to rebuild homes and provide livelihoods.

For our recovery phase what we have done is we have identified the communities which are very much effected and most likely the government assistance would take a little amount. But this gap they need some livelihood options where they can support their families, so we have started the cash forward program where they are engaging in the community.

Some of them they are rebuilding their houses and we forward them cash for the work that they do. So that is the livelihood option which we have given. There are few funding trusts most likely they will get it to fill that gap. So when that funding comes we are looking at shelters which is still a huge need in the communities over there.”

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Founded in 1950, World Vision serves close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

World Vision empowers children, families, and communities to escape poverty and injustice through programs like child sponsorship, clean water, education, food security, farming and agriculture, economic development, disaster relief, medical care, clothing and shelter, spiritual nurture, trafficking prevention, and advocacy on behalf of those whom we serve.

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