USAID to provide $3.4 mn for Phailin-hit people

The United States, through the US Agency for International Development, will provide USD 3.4 million to NGOs for back-up to recovery activities for Cyclone Phailin-affected communities in Odisha.

Bhubaneswar: The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide USD 3.4 million to NGOs for back-up to recovery activities for Cyclone Phailin-affected communities in Odisha.

A release from the US Consulate General`s office at Hyderabad today said the October 2013 cyclone, that made landfall in Odisha as the second severest storm to ever touch base in India, affected an estimated 13 million people and caused significant damage to houses and agricultural land. Copy of the release was made available here. The US support will target communities in the Ganjam district of Odisha, where the cyclone damaged nearly 50 percent of homes, as well as communities in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. The release said, "US-supported shelter recovery activities will benefit more than 7,000 households, or 35,000 people. The assistance will facilitate the provision of transitional shelters, repair of partially damaged homes, and support for `cash-for-work` initiative, all of which will help enhance community infrastructure recovery." It said the affected families will receive vouchers for building materials and financial support to repair homes. Approximately 8,450 households and 42,300 people will receive assistance to improve livelihood and strengthen food security through the distribution of seeds, training in improved gardening practices and resumption of gardening activities. "Assistance will strengthen protection services, establish child-friendly spaces, and aid persons with disabilities," the release said.