A devastating flood that hit Jammu & Kashmir on September 4, has affected more than 5 lakh people. This is the worst flood situation the valley has seen in last 60 years. Roads, homes, hospitals, shops, religious and educational institutions have been submerged in flood waters. More than 150 people have lost their lives so far due to the floods. 20,000 troops have been working day and night for rescuing people and providing relief materials to the affected people. Close to one lakh people have been evacuated so far by the armed forces and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), yet close to 4 lakh people are still stranded and waiting for help. Government of India has called this situation a national calamity. Indian armed forces have set up 19 relief camps across the state, providing shelter to at least 20,000 flood-affected people. Provisions have been made to distribute essential food items and water bottles to them, but there is a lot more support that is required.

OneStage has a network of validated NGOs in Jammu & Kashmir. In consultations with these NGO partners, we are continuously monitoring the ground situation and identifying the most vulnerable areas for Relief &Rehabilitation support. Possible areas of our Relief & Rehabilitation program would be Rajori and Poonch in Jammu & Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag in Kashmir. Our immediate relief plan is to reach out to 5000 households in an estimated time period from now up-to 6 months and provide each household with a Relief Kit. The ravaging flood has not only rendered people homeless, but has also affected their livelihood options. There are families where the only earning member has died resulting in a major financial crisis. In the aftermath of this calamity, people of J&K would definitely need rehabilitation support and livelihood opportunities. The rehabilitation phase would be focused on re-developing the social infrastructure in the community so that looking for a viable livelihood option does not become a challenge for the people. We plan to conduct a rehabilitation program that is aimed to reach 5000 households in an estimated time of 6 to 12 months through skill development tools and training. The program will address the following concern areas and provide maximum support:

• School sanitation (Construction of toilets for girls and boys and hygiene education
• Repair of shelter
• Livelihood support

OneStage appeals to all of you to come forward at this time of national crisis and support us wholeheartedly in providing immediate relief to the flood affected citizens of Jammu & Kashmir. To know about our relief and rehabilitation plan, visit our website.

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