The National Headquarters of the Indian Red Cross Society released relief supplies valuing Rs.2.5 crores to support 10000 flood victim families each of Assam & Bihar respectively. The items include kitchen utensils [a set to 20 items], plastic buckets, bed sheets, towels, cotton blankets, sarees, dhotis, tarpaulins and assorted medicines. The Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society & Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss flagged off a fleet of trucks today from the National Headquarters of the IRCS carrying the items.

“Red Cross is committed to be a leading agency to help the victims of natural or manmade disasters”, said Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. Congratulating Red Cross on the humanitarian gesture, he said, “Red Cross has the credibility, grassroot reach and commitment to respond in times of such calamities”.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. (Mrs.) Vimala Ramalingam, Secretary General, Indian Red Cross Society said “Assam & Bihar are facing one of the worst floods in the last over 50 years. Our local branches at district and state level have used their emergency stocks and are collecting relief items and cash donations locally and have supported the victims till now”. She also mentioned that the magnitude of devastation is such that the National Headquarters has to intervene to support the local branches.

The Indian Red Cross national headquarters along with its state branches has been in action during the past four weeks. They are carrying out rescue operation and providing the vulnerable population improved sustainability in terms of cooked meals, dry rations, essential non-food items and medicines.

The National Headquarters deputed two assessment teams to analyse the flood conditions and needs of the community. Their report has termed the condition ‘alarming'. Based on their recommendations the support mechanism is being further toned up to garner more support for the victims.