Reported by our partners August 16, 2005

Just a few meters away from the main Kalina Market near the Kalina University, Santacruz East is a settlement of pavement dwellers. Like many other places in Mumbai, this area too was submerged under water. At places there was water up to neck level. The pavement dwellers were the worst affected. They lost their houses and all their belongings.

People seemed to be in a state of depression and shock. Children were suffering from diarrhoea and skin diseases. Many adults too were having wounds and skin infections on their legs. The whole community is living in temporary shelters made of plastic and bamboos.

Vishwanath 30 escaped the flood water along with his wife.

Vishwanath, 30 years escaped the flood water along with his wife. He used to live with his wife in a pipeline. But these floods have had a much deeper impact on him. Since then he often suffers from fever and feels nauseated when served food. He is afraid of rains and seeks a corner to feel secure. ‘I have seen many dead bodies floating in the water’ is all that he says.

Mobile clinic provides timely medical attention
EFICOR's local partner, the Stepping Stones Charitable Society’s Karuna Project Mobile Van was a great blessing to these people. This mobile van, well equipped with a team of doctor, a nurse, two assistants and medicines conducted three clinics a day and treated approximately 300 people. All the team members were very compassionate towards the patients and gave them proper instructions on medication. All the patients received free check-up and treatment. Timely medical attention was provided to the patients without having to wait in long queues which were highly appreciated by the people.

Josephine was happy that a mobile clinic had come to the place where she lives.

When the flood lashed her home, Josephine was still recovering from caesarean section after delivering a baby 21 days ago. Her husband helped in moving the family to a safer place. Her 12 year old daughter, Lucy was still at school when the flood water started rising. Lucy was sick with cold, cough and fever and she could not get treatment from Government clinic because it was far away. She was happy that a mobile clinic had come to the place where she lives.

Stories from Yavatmal
Sixtyfive year old, disabled Zingraji and his wife were surviving on the daily wages when their son left them denying to take care of them. A new dimension added to their suffering was when a flood swept away their small house and their belongings leaving them helpless and vulnerable. Zingraji shared his fearful experience of the night when the flood suddenly lashed on his home when he was asleep. In just a few moments the flood swept him away with his house. Being handicapped, Zingraji was not able to save himself but God took care of him. He was caught in a big tree and left hanging during the whole night. On the next day people brought him down to the ground. EFICOR’s partner MVM provided them with relief materials. Zingraji said “ This is the first time in our life we are receiving this kind of relief, we feel strange about it, we are grateful for your timely help”.