More than a million people, including several Gospel for Asia missionaries, have been affected by monsoon flooding in Orissa, India. Flash floods hit the Orissa area on July 7, washing away homes and livelihoods and forcing people to seek higher ground until the water recedes.
GFA leaders in Orissa are assessing the situation. As soon as it is safe, GFA Compassion Services workers will be in the state offering assistance to people who have been affected by the floods.
Two GFA missionaries in Orissa report that they have been forced to abandon their homes and churches because of the water. Missionaries Bihuda Chauhan and Pardesi Nima, along with their families, moved to higher ground. They were able to carry some food with them, but they lost everything that was in their homes.
All transportation into and out of the flooded areas has been shut down, making travel and communication virtually impossible. The most recent report indicates that this first round of rain has stopped and the water is beginning to recede.
Monsoon rains are part of India’s normal weather pattern. The term “monsoon” actually means “weather” or “season,” referring to an annual wind pattern that brings rain to the subcontinent. The monsoon season, which runs from June through September, accounts for the majority of the country’s rain.
“As soon as it is safe, GFA Compassion Services workers will be in the state offering assistance to people who have been affected by the floods.”Since so much rain falls in such a short amount of time, flooding can be a problem. Many people in low-lying areas keep a stash of dry food to take with them when they are forced to evacuate.
Bihuda and Pardesi ask for prayer for the people affected by the floods, that the Lord will sustain them until outside help can come in, and for those who are in pain to turn to Jesus.
See recent news about how GFA Compassion Services has helped flood victims.