There have been 70 deaths, 2.5 million people displaced, and the destruction of over 250,000 acres of land and 300,000 homes in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Incessant rains during the monsoon season this year caused a dam to burst in neighboring Nepal. That resulted in two major rivers jumping their banks, and almost every other major river running through the areas adding to the flooding.

Abraham, ministry leader of Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Centre in these areas, told Christian Aid about a missionary from a village who had a ministry among 150 families. When the floods came, his whole village was destroyed. "I could see their cattle and all their belongings being swept away in the wreckage – they lost everything. These are very poor people. They worked as share croppers on the very small farms of a landlord. Now they are all homeless, sleeping on railway platforms, higher grounds along the roadsides, or on dry pavements," said missionary Anup Samuel.

Missionary Joseph in Supual District lost everything, but most importantly, he lost his ministry equipment. A motorbike, computer, and office furniture are all gone.

There are similar stories of missionaies in over 22 villages that were severely affected. People living along the main highways are more likely to get government help or assistance from NGOs, so it is people, who lived in remote rural areas, that struggle the most. Abraham and some of his workers were the first group of people to visit their villages.

"Their lives are so pathetic and now that the winter season is upon them, they are in greater distress," writes Abraham. He also reports that Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Centre has joined forces with a sister ministry to create a flood relief rehabilitation project. The project is called "Crop Rehabilitation Program."

When the floods recede, they hope to distribute maize, wheat seeds, and fertilizer to the people in the flood affected districts of Bhagalpur, Saharsa and Purnia. One hundred acres of land have been targeted for rehabilitation through this project. The cost for one acre of maize cultivation is $100, while wheat is $75 per acre.

Urgent needs consist of safe drinking water and shelter. Construction of one village-style home, a mud-brick structure with two rooms and a tin sheet roof, will cost $600. Repairing a damaged house costs $300.

Many countries in Asia have been hard hit this year. The year 2008 began with persecution in Orissa, followed by the Cyclone Nargis in Burma, the earthquake in China, more persecution in Orissa, and now severe flooding in India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

By the grace of God, Christian Aid has been able to assist many of these ministries with gifts sent from supporters in the U.S. Additional gifts are needed to meet the ongoing urgent needs involved in recovery and rebuilding.

I want to help care for the victims of flooding in India.