Save the Children extends support to flood-hit children

Guwahati, July 12: With over 6 lakh children already directly affected by the flood in Assam, which seems to be worsening every day, Save the Children has embarked on a child-centric humanitarian assistance, a press release said.

Like the last two years, Save the Children was among the biggest responders to the floods in Assam and the only one offering a composite child-centric response.

The organization on Tuesday provided family kits—comprising of hygiene and shelter kits—to families in Tubikajar village of Chariduar circle.

It will reach out to about 1000 families within a week and aims to reach a total of 3000 families in Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts during this phase of the flood response.

The non-profit organization is continually assessing the needs of the children and their families to determine expansion of its assistance. Save the Children has completed a rapid assessment of the situation as part of the Inter-Agency Group in Assam.

Chittapriyo Sadhu, team leader for Save the Children for the Assam flood response, said, “Children can’t wait during emergencies. Attention needs to be paid to ensure that they get adequate food for children, clean drinking water and health services. They also need to be protected, as families are often separated or children have to live with strangers. Psycho-social needs begin to surface during the Emergency and can continue for a prolonged period even after the catastrophe is over.”

Children vulnerability had increased due to the fact that many of the Anganwadi Centres, schools and health facilities are not functioning.

Therefore, Save the Children has begun to operatiolize up to 10 child-friendly spaces (CFS’) which are being set up in the worst-affected areas.

Since there is no school, children have to be tended by persons who are equipped to mage them in a safe environment.