NGO to help children in flood-hit Assam

Guwahati: Emergency responses will be extended to the children in three flood-hit districts of Assam by an NGO.

'Save the Children' would deliver critical assistance focusing on children and their families in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli districts in Assam, the NGO's Chief Executive Officer Thomas Chandy said.

In the first phase, the NGO would provide tarpaulins, hygiene kits, bed sheets, floor mats, water and food baskets, along with organisation of health camps and sanitation support to the vulnerable households.

The needs of the children would have to be prioritised as about 40 per cent of the population comprised children who have specific needs during any humanitarian crisis, Chandy said.

The organisation appreciated the call by the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) for a child-centric approach for all flood-affected states, he said.

"Medical and health along with nutrition and education needs require an immediate response, protection against abuse and trafficking and psycho-social support are important needs that are to be factored in every plan to ensure the well-being of children," he said.

Children can not wait and therefore an all-out response by government and civil society was required with corporates and individuals doing their bit by supporting those organisations which have a proven track-record in dealing with such emergencies, Chandy added.