India Cyclone Aila update - June 2009
This update provides a snapshot of the activities of WHO South-East Asia in Emergency and Humanitarian Action in India.
- Cyclone Aila hit the states of West Bengal and Orissa, including the eastern city of Kolkata, on 26 May, bringing heavy rains and winds up to 120 kph.
- The cyclone claimed the lives of 96 people and affected 5.1 million in 16 districts of West Bengal as of 28 May 2009, according to the damage impact assessment conducted by the Government of West Bengal and UNDP.
- The worst affected districts are South 24 Pargans, North 24 Pargans, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata.
- Around 60 000 people rescued have been accommodated in 393 government-run relief camps.
- Seventy-five health camps are providing medical care.
- Safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are the most urgent health needs.
WHO Action
- WHO works in close coordination with the Ministry of Health, and will provide support as requested .
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