Indian Flood Victims Receive Emergency Medical Care
Sadanand felt like his life had ended. Late last August the 11-year-old
watched in horror as the flooded river toppled his village’s huge
old banyan tree and washed away all of the crops. There was nothing left
of Sadanand’s hut. Exhausted and hungry, the boy waded through waist
deep water with his neighbors trying to find a dry place to sleep. He contracted
a skin disease all over his body from having to live in the water for several
days. The people of Bodmundail needed immediate help, but the floods had
cut them off from the rest of the world.
The summer’s floods altered sixteen of India’s districts
forever. Millions of people in 11,000 villages were left homeless; some
lost their lives and 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of farmland
was ruined while herds of cattle were swept away. Even weeks later swirling
currents from overflowing rivers prevented relief workers from reaching
remote villages. Ironically, as the floodwaters receded, the situation
only became more difficult. Boats could not be used when the water receded
too low.
Volunteers Brave Flood Waters
In spite of the dangerous situation, a medical team of Operation Blessing
volunteers wanted to help those who were trapped. Working with Indian
government representatives, they chose eight villages. After getting out
of a vehicle several miles before the first village of Ekaberuan, the
team had to walk because the roads were washed out. Dr. Selvan carried
a load of life-saving medicine on his head. Determined, he said, “I
can walk through any obstacle to serve the people.” The team reached
their destination on September 18th.
Several days went by as the team treated hundreds of sick and injured
people, passed out water purification tablets and dehydration salts, and
fed the hungry. At one of the last locations, they noticed what was left
of Bodumundail on the opposite side of the riverbank. Seeing faces of
desperation, they decided to cross the current using a small boat.
Sadanand was one of the overjoyed people that met the team on the shore.
The doctors treated many suffering from pneumonia, coughs, diarrhea and
skin disease. That evening, Sadanand slept peacefully for the first time
in weeks. The medicines and ointment had taken away the horrible itch
while his stomach was finally full of good food.
An elderly man named Gopal suffered from a severe cough. He shared, “I
never imagined that a team would come through a flooded river and walk
several kilometers to help us. I thank you all for helping us by providing
medicines and treatment.”
When the sun went down on the final day of the mission, 2,768 Indian
children and adults in eight remote villages had received emergency disaster
and medical care from Operation Blessing’s volunteers and staff.
Thank you for helping us to bring these flood victims hope for the future.
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