The Government has set up large camps with about 10,000 people in each. It is the smaller and isolated camps that are not getting any attention and our volunteers are trying to work in such camps. The Pratham team in Bihar has identified 60 camps where they will focus mainly on children’s requirements. We will have at least one AIDINDIA / Pratham volunteer in each center.

Relief material coming in is not sufficient and rather slow. The immediate requirements are bleaching powder, blankets, woolen clothes for children and women’s clothes. We are setting up a collection point in every affected district immediately and are trying to streamline the collection and distribution process. Our volunteers are present in every block and by next week, we will have collection and distribution centers in each of these blocks.

We are also setting up an information system through which districts can update field level requirements, work done etc.

Pratham & AIDINDIA will work in these areas at least for the next one year. Cost estimates are being worked out. Right now our focus is on meeting immediate requirements – for this we will need lot more relief material as well as volunteers to work in the camps as soon as possible.

Balaji is on his way to Saharsa district and will send us more updates later today or tomorrow.