Children need priority care in Uttarakhand: NGO

MUMBAI: The NGO World Vision India has deployed a team to assess the damage and need in the worst-affected areas of Uttarakhand before beginning relief operations.
Representatives from the child welfare organisation visiting the area said that the extent of the damage and loss to the local population is still unclear. "World Vision India's assessment team that is in the disaster region will assess the damage and need of the most vulnerable local population, especially children," said Kunal Shah, head, humanitarian emergency affairs, World Vision India.
The death toll is expected to go into thousands. "Stranded trucks with relief materials unable to move further due to the landslides, are distributing their relief to passersby," said Theodore Sam, emergency affairs communicator, World Vision India, who is enroute to the affected areas. "But all routes to one of the most affected districts (Rudraprayag) have been completely cut off."
While assessing and responding to the immediate needs of this disaster, World Vision India will also assess the long term needs of the most vulnerable in the regions. "World Vision India is in touch with the Inter Agency Group for a joint relief response once or assessments are over. Depending on the situation, World Vision India may respond to the more long-term needs such as shelter, health, livelihood, rehabilitation and education. Kunal Shah said, "Our priority would be to address the needs of the affected children first".