Gates Foundation grants $ 500,000 for cyclone relief work

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation granted $ 500,000 to US-based NGO CARE for taking up cyclone relief works in Andhra Pradesh. The fund will enable CARE staff to meet emergency needs of most vulnerable communities affected by Hudhud while planning for long term recovery.

 US-based NGO CARE will use the grant to procure and distribute non-food items to 1,100 households in addition to conducting a detailed assessment of shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene needs in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts and then provide support accordingly.

 According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the tropical cyclone Hudhud affected at least 920,000 people. More than 135,000 took shelter in 223 relief camps while authorities provided food to 685,000 people.

Over 41,200 houses and buildings were damaged and 450,000 acres of agricultural land was damaged. Potable drinking water, toilets, shelter and lights emerged as primary needs. Girindre Beeharry, Director – India Country Office, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said, “As with many natural disasters, effects are felt the most by those who are least financially secure, in particular those whose livelihoods were dependent on land.”