India (MNN) — International
aid workers in India's Bihar State
report that almost 80,000 houses suffered damage in the abnormally heavy
monsoon rains. Worse, more than 2.71
million acres of crops have been submerged by rivers that burst their
bank.
Bihar has asked for 800 million dollars of
aid for recovery efforts, but that's likely to prove a daunting task. Government officials estimate 15-million
people have suffered the ill-effect of the floods. In some areas, the flood
waters are slowly receding, leaving millions dependent on emergency supplies of
food and clean water.
Ministries are taking stock of the damages, too. Grand Rapids,
Michigan-based Mission India
reports the floods forced them to close several of their literacy centers and Children's
Bible Clubs, also delaying church planters in northern Bihar.
Access to roads and trains have been cut off in many regions. The flooding also
carries a threat of waterborne diseases and clean water shortages.
Despite the devastating floods, Mission India is determined to resume programs as
soon as possible. Pray that the physical needs of the people affected by the
flooding would be provided. Pray, too, that the situation leads to new
opportunities to share the Gospel in Bihar,
where Christians represent less than point one percent of the population. If you can help, click here .
