AID continues support for relief efforts for recent floods even as larger issues of mismanagement and their impact on flooding comes to the fore.

In August and September, AID disbursed $51,900 towards relief efforts in areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa affected by extreme flooding due to monsoon and overflowing dams.

While relief work is going on, it is important to note  the  strong relationship between the severity of floods and lapses on the part of the waterworks department. For instance, the South Asian Network of Dams, Rivers & People, emphasizes that the destruction in Surat could have been significantly reduced. They point out that even as Ukai dam was rapidly filling up for several days, authorities did not order the release of sufficient water downstream.  This led to a sudden release of 10 lakh cusecs, while the downstream capacity was only 3-4 lakh cusecs, thereby flooding Surat.

In order to save lives, homes and crops, people must be vigilant to ensure that those in charge of controlling the waterworks do not repeat these disastrous mistakes. 

-- Mamta Chinnappa: AID San Diego