Hunger fears after India floods

Over a thousand communities have been cut off because of damage to roads (AP)

Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal to feed communities still reeling from devastating floods in northern India.

At least 6,000 people were killed by the floods in Uttarakhand, while survivors have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed.

Food supply chains have also been wiped out, leading to fears that hundreds of communities still struggling to get back on their feet will now be hit with acute hunger.

With the rains continuing across the state, roads have been rendered impassable. An estimated 1,335 mountain communities remain cut off and relief organisations are struggling to reach those in need.

Christian Aid partner organisations SEEDS, CASA and IGSSS working to deliver food, and provide shelter and essential medical care where they can. The organisations will have a presence in affected communities for the foreseeable future as they help them to rebuild their livelihoods.

Christian Aid's Emergency Officer Yeeshu Shukla said: "The incessant rain has caused floods and landslides which as well as leading to many deaths, have destroyed agricultural land and small businesses, and wiped out livestock.

"We have major fears that if this situation continues in the months ahead malnutrition will be a growing problem as people are unable to earn an income."

To support Christian Aid's emergency appeal visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/india-floods/index.aspx

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