3. - usaid

Prmpt action was taken to prevent cholera and smallpox outbreaks.
epidemics occurred.
At the request of the Indian Red Cross, the League of Red Cross Societies
issued an international appeal to sister socieites for requested items and
for multivitamins.
The State of West Bengal mounted a relief program. Large quantities of
supplies were moved into the area fmn within the state but the Relief
Secretary indicated a need for milk, baby food, woolen blankets and clothing
from outside sources. Feeding centers and camps for the homeless were
established and local camnittees distributed blankets, medicines, and
other supplies as they were received. Because of the destruction of bridges
and roads, tenporary roads had to be built. Initially the Indian Army
assumed responsibility for constructing temporary bridges but later the
Public Works Department constructed more permanent structures. It also
mobilized work gangs to repair roads, remove silt and construct new roads
where required. Labor was recruited from the persons most affected by the
damage, including men, women and children. It was several months before
electric power could be restored, except for institutions and hospitals.
Fmrs whose lands had become silted were requested to remove all unwanted
debris and Government trucks were supplied free to assist them. The
Irrigation Ministry prepared plans to repair major embankments breached by
the flood and to build protective devices for vulnerable ernbankrents before
the next monsoon.
A CARE official who had visited the disaster areas in mid-Qctober and had
witnessed, in his words, ttabsolute chaosN at that time, was impressed when
he returned a month later with the progress made in removing rubble, constructirg
temporary shelters and organizing of feeding centers.
The State Government of West Bengal also undertook a food for work program
to repair flood damages and to provide protection against future flood
disasters. The work project was planned for an ei&t month period to
employ 63,500 unemployed or underemployed workers, who would each work an
average of 200 days. Some 240,000 of their dependents were expected to
benefit from the project. Compensation was set at 2.2 pounds of wheat and
one rupee per day for each worker. The (;(rWB sought and obtained the assistance
of CARE as a joint sponsor for the program and the U. S. Cflvemnt
was requested to donate 12,700 metric tons of food for the project. The
U. S. Mission and AID/Washinp;ton approved the prcgram. The Government of
West Ben@ agreed to contribute 13 million rupees ($1,710,526) for cash
wage ccmponent, for camnodity inland handling costs, and for supervisory
and material costs.
Reported cash grants by the State of West Bengal for relief and rehabilitation
totaled $3.8 million with an additional $3.3 million being provided
for agriculture, irrigation and cooperatives needs resulting flwn the floods.
bans funds were also established of $4;2 million for relief and rehabilitation
and $4.7 million for agricultural aids.
No