Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response

GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Completion Report

Project: Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response

Activity: Construction of Traditional Houses " Jhonpas"

Project Location: Shiv block of Badmer District, Rajsthan

Support: Envaroteck Instruments Pvt. Ltd. N. Delhi

Amount: 50000 INR

The background

The drought-impacted state of Rajasthan in India suffered with a severe flood in the
monsoon months of 2006. Usually, desert districts of Rajasthan receive around 20
centimeters of rain in a year. But this year, the downpour continuing over 100 hours in
the second half of August brought in 50 to 60 centimeters of water within a span of only
four days. Badmer and Jaisalmer districts were the worst affected.
Due to Chronic drought conditions and lack of rainfall the region had never been well
prepared to face a flood situation. The water drainage was poor and a large number of
heavy water harvesting structures were damaged due to water-flow. Consequently, due to
water logging at many places, villages were turned into massive ponds. In fact even after
six weeks of the torrential rains that caused the devastation, flood water is still visible in
many areas.

The impoverished state of Rajasthan was actually facing a severe drought this year until
floods hit the region. Property, structures and animals were submerged under water
causing great loss to the economy of the state. Rural communities were caught off guard
and had to struggle to save their lives. Further, the rehabilitation of the victims is going to
be huge task who are trapped between drought and flood. It is estimated that the floods
affected 5,809 villages in 10 districts of the state. More than 70% villages of Badmer
districts have been affected. The death toll crossed the mark of 170, with more than 50 %
deaths occurring in Badmer alone. Nearly 75,000 animals lost their lives. The damage to
the crops is unprecedented with nearly 75% of the crops were washed away. Thousands
of people lost their homes and all belongings. The infrastructure has been damaged
severely with a number of roads, bridges and water tanks have been destroyed. According
to a government figure, the total damage is estimated to be Rs. 20 billion (360 million
Euros).

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 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Continued water-logging, poor availability and quality of drinking water and food
shortage have led to sever health problems in the region. In several parts of the state, a
Malaria outbreak occurred. Gastro-intestinal infections and skin ailments have been
the other common problems. A very large number of people were affected by
malnutrition and rendered more vulnerable to infectious diseases. It is expected that
with the onset of winter, respiratory infections could be a major challenge.

A large number of older people have been affected by the disaster. Many of them
have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters. Health problems are a
major concern among the older population. The drinking water in many areas is not
available, which is causing further problems for older people who can not walk long
distances.

Here are some testimonies of people who witnessed the whole

Disaster.

Mahesha Ram is a Master in Mandaliya Village. His testimony reads-

"While I walked towards home to my at village Nand from Mandaliya at ten in the
night I observed that there was 2-3 feet of water flowing very slowly on the way. This
alerted me and I started hailing out to people to take shelter in safe places. I knew
immediately that these were signs of a flood," People who believed Mahesha Ram
climbed up the sand dunes and were saved while the others got caught in the flood.
"After this I went to Sernun where my relatives live. Here water had risen to 3-4 feet.
My relatives and I fastened the ladies of the house with ropes and carried the children
on our backs. Then we made way towards my house, by then the water had risen to 4-
5 feet and flowed with force, making us unsure on our feet ." recollects Mahesha
Ram. "We took support of a tree and called out to other people and a group of 8-10
people came and help us out of this tight situation. I have witnessed this situation for
the first time in my life."

Shri Ganga Ram Kumawat, "I live in Mandaliya and my house lies on a higher
altitude than the other houses .My house is about a 100 mtr away from where the
water was flowing .On the 20 th of August in the night I heard water flowing and
people calling out. I took a torch and looked outside, people were being swept away
-.vith the water and they were crying out for help. Houses were slowing submerging
under water .1 woke up my brother and children, took sticks and set out to help people
trapped in their houses. By that time 4-5 feet of ravaging water was flowing. We first
p_Ued the children out and sat them on our backs and then used ropes to guide the
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

women out of the house. Some goats were pulled out with rope. The ladies were taken
to my house and the men took shelter in the community hall for three days."

"Witnessing this catastrophe makes me sigh that God should not write such
misfortune in any ones life, because the flood has left people with nothing," he adds
with a sigh.

Hajari Ram Prajapat: "I live in Mandaliya and my house lies between two sand
dunes. On the 22 of August my family was sleeping outdoors. In the middle of the
night I observed around 2-3 m high water flowing around us. Startled we dashed into
our house and locked the doors. But the water started to seep in and all our earnest
efforts to stop the water from entering, failed. We shut our selves in the house for
about 2-3 hrs but the water level rose to 4-5 feet and the room was slowly filled with
water. Panicked, we dashed towards the sand dunes, but the force of the deluge made
it difficult. Tragedy struck the next morning when we realized that my daughter in
law had been swept away. We went out to look for her but could go no far as the killer
water steadily rising.

We went to look out for her again as the water started to recede slowly. We found her
dead and entangled in a thorny Jal tree. We could not retrieve the dead body because
the tree was in to the Jaisalmer District. We had to wait for the police to come and
hand it over to us.

After witnessing and experiencing such a heart wrenching catastrophe I pray in

earnest that God doesn't bring such misfortune to any one."

GRAVIS (Leading local partner in Rajasthan) launched immediate relief operation in

four districts of Rajasthan on 22nd August 2006. GRAVIS prioritized its efforts in
Badmer - which was the worst affected district. The HAI/HtA/Environment
Instrument pvt.Ltd/CRS/Wfl support was utilized in Badmer.

Objectives

1. Provide basic support to the victims in form of food, drinking water, fodder,
shelter and supplies of daily use
2. Organize health, nutrition and sanitation services to cure and prevent diseases
3. Liaise with the government, volunteers and local NGOs to strengthen the relief
activities
4. Assess the damage and develop plans for reconstruction
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Progress

The relief activities in Badmer district were organized from GRAVIS' field office located
in Mandaliya village. The activities started on 23rd August 2006 and this report describes
the progress up to 31st March 2007. The relief team comprised of following persons:

Coordinator - 1
Field workers — 6
Drivers - 2
Medical Doctors - 2
Nurses/laboratory technicians - 1/1
Volunteers - 11

GRAVIS office based in Jodhpur city coordinated with the field office in organization of
relief work. The GRAVIS relief team also worked in collaboration with the local
government officials, other NGOs and elected representatives of village panchayats.
Village Older People Associations/ Village Development Committee (VOPAs/VDCs)
formed by GRAVIS in the region also played a major role in the relief work.

Activities organized

1. Provision of food

Four community kitchens were organized in the initial relief period. 2,250 people
received food through these kitchens for a period of 4 days.

2. Distribution of dry ration

Dry ration including pulses, gram, rice, tea, sugar and spices was distributed to 1302
families. The dry ration was used by the family members to fulfill the dietary
requirements for two weeks period.

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 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

3. Temporary shelter

Temporary shelters made of tarpaulin sheets and wood sticks were provided to 475
families. These families are still living in these shelters and will move in their homes
after they are reconstructed.

4. Drinking water supply - The relief team supplied drinking water to 859 families. 60
liters of drinking water was provided to these families for a period of 7 days.
5. Family kits - These kits were given to 317 families. The kits comprised of supplies
of daily use such as boxes, utensils, torches, match boxes etc.
S. Medical services - GRAVIS medical team comprised of 2 medical doctors, 2
nurses and 1 laboratory technician is organizing medical services regularly in
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

the flood affected region since first week of September. 673 patients benefited
by medical services to date.

In addition, veterinary services also organized which benefited 2,274 animals.

7. Distribution of clothes and blankets - Above activity has benefited 200 families.

Significant successes

The relief activities provided relief in worst affected areas of Sheo block of Badmer
district. GRAVIS was the first and only organization to reach for relief in this region.
The moral of affected communities was boosted by the programme as they thought no
relief organizations are coming forward in the block due to lack of media attention.
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Support in form of food, drinking water and shelter provided immediate and essential
relief to nearly 2,000 families with approximately 2,500 older people.

During the implementation of relief activities, GRAVIS team received very good
response from local communities and government officials.

The VDCs/VDCs played a very active role in relief. They took the initiative of
organizing 4 community kitchens from the village level funds developed by older
people. These kitchens provided precious food support to 2,250 people for 4 days.
The VDC members also took the lead in consoling the affected families and providing
emotional support.

Medical services proved very effective in providing basic healthcare, especially to

older people. Although Malaria outbreak is being witnesses in the region, the number
of Malaria affected people could have been extremely high without the medical
services provided. 673 patients received quality medical support, out of which around
50% were older people.

Constraints
During the organization of relief work, following constraints were faced by the relief
team:

Severely damaged roads made transportation extremely difficult

Delayed arrival of volunteers, government representatives and other relief
workers in Sheo block.
Extreme scarcity of potable drinking water
Large number of animal deaths
Continued water-logging for days and weeks threatened the health status in the
region.

Rehabilitation Work:
After a well-organized relief effort, GRAVIS team engaged in the process of detailed
assessment of damage caused to houses, water harvesting structures and community
level facilities. Lots of assistance in terms of money and food poured in from the
various individuals and partner agencies. Reconstruction and rehabilitation work was
taken up on a massive scale.
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

With the assistance provided by you six traditional houses were built which support
five families and a school for children. Although in the design of a traditional hut or
Jhnopa, slight modifications have been made in these houses. Instead of being made
entirely of wood, stone and plastered with mud, these new houses are plastered with
cement. The first type is made of stone slabs and the second type made of cement
bricks. The importance of introduction of these innovations is that as against earth
which swells up with water, cement will remain unaffected preventing the collapse of
the hut during heavy rain. These slight innovations have been appreciated by the
community as these interventions have increased the security and peace of mind. It
has been the first time that these interventions were made by GRAVIS. Along with
this 25 more JHONPAS were also constructed by GRAVIS in these areas with
different supports.

GRAVIS and the flood affected communities of the Thar Desert are extremely
thankful to all its supporters and donors for the valuable aid provided during this
emergency situation. The help has been utilized in assisting people from the lowest
sections of the society, people who are the victims of society and nature both to find
them selves back on ground.

Pictures of Newly built Modified Traditional Houses"Jhonpa"

Pic.l View of Traditional house Pic.2. View of Traditional house

"Jhonpa" during construction "Jhonpa" after completion

Pic.3. Family sitting with their small children Pic.4. Man with their newly built
w i t h n r a l v h n i l t T r a d i t i o n a l Vinn^p " T h n n a n "
 Rajasthan Emergency Flood Relief Response
GRAVIS, Jodhpur-08 (Rajasthan) INDIA

Pic.4. Woman with her newly built Pic. 5. Woman with her children in side
traditional house "Jhopan". the traditional house "Jhopan".

List of Jhonpa's (Modified Traditional House) Beneficiaries:

S.No. Name Father/ Age caste # of Village & District

Husband family name
members
1 Smt. Sundar Sh. Pabu Ram 65 Prajapat 7 Mandaliya, Shiv Dist.
Devi (Poter) Badmer
2 Smt. Dhai Sh. Bhutta 45 Muslim 2 Laxmipura, Shiv
Khan Dist. Badmer
3 Sh. Sawai Singh Sh. Govardhan 55 Rajput 6 Maginee, Shiv Dist.
Singh Badmer
4 Sh. Isha Khan Saddeek Khan 52 Muslim 7 Rampura, Shiv Dist.
Badmer
5 Sh. Meera Khan Vachla Khan 68 Muslim 9 Rampura, Shiv Dist.
Badmer
6 Primary School 06-14 Hindu & 62 Matujaon ki Basti,
yrs. Muslims children Shiv Dist. Badmer

(Shashi Tyagi) (Rajendra Kumar)

Secretary Programme coordinator