Torrential rains, swollen rivers and forceful floods have once again made three states of India, Maharasthra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh worst affected leading to evacuation of millions of people, submerging of towns and villages and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and crops.

Recognizing the magnitude of the disaster the National Headquarters of the Indian Red Cross Society along with the respective State Branches have come into action and started assisting in rescue and relief operations. Dr. S.P. Agarwal, Secretary General, Indian Red Cross Society stated, “we are in regular touch with the affected State Red Cross Branch officials and Government functionaries. The situation is being reviewed frequently”

In Gujarat, 10 districts have been affected around one million people have been evacuated and there is an extensive damage to public, private property and to agriculture. The State Branch of Gujarat is coordinating with local authorities and has released relief items like kitchen sets, sarees, cotton blankets, woolen blankets, tarpaulin, assorted cloth, 10,0000 food packets, 72,000 water pouches,10,000 water bottles, 200 (10-litre) water cans, 7000 Theplas (Gujrati snack) etc. Apart from this, on August 10^th, three fiber boats have been pressed in to service for rescuing the marooned people. On the request of the State Branch funds have been allocated for the purchase of chlorine tablets and bleaching powder. The State Branch is procuring packed milk for distribution from 11^th of August. The NHQ has deputed three water-sanitation units each weighing about 2 metric tons with a capacity of providing 3000 liters of potable water per hour.

In Andhra Pradesh, the rains bought chaos in the state, especially to low-lying areas. More than 100,000 people are stranded in 138 relief camps all over the State. The State Red Cross has made a purchase of relief items worth more than INR 200,000 for distribution in and around Hyderabad. Today the NHQ. IRCS has released 1000 bed sheets, 1000 dhotis, 1000 sarees, 1000 kitchen sets and 1000 towels. All this is likely to reach the State Branch in a day's time.

In Maharashtra, heavy rains have lashed the part of the State. The relief efforts are focused on the worst affected districts of Chandapore, Nanded, Sholapur and Washim. In Washim, 500 family kits including stove, kitchen set, durri, towel, bed sheet have been distributed. Apart from this Rs. 20,000 was given to all the districts for emergency purchases of medicine. First Aid kits and family packs were also distributed.

In all the worst affected districts it is seen that mobile medical unit is been mobilized. Dr. S.P. Agarwal, Secretary General,IRCS stated that “ the NHQ, IRCS is convening a meeting of the Red Cross Partners, including the IFRC, for the rapid assessment and prepare  future plan of action on August 11^th, 2006”.