India

A woman collects a food parcel that will help her family through the harsh winter in Kashmir, India [Caritas India]

India is home to a sixth of the world’s population – home to 1.1 billion people and is the world’s largest democracy

Floods and droughts plague different parts of the country every year. CAFOD’s focus in India is to support relief and rehabilitation work after such disasters.

The region of Kashmir in the north straddles both Pakistan and India and is separated by a line of control.

Since the 1980s the Indian administered northern state of Jammu and Kashmir has been fraught with increasing insecurity and conflict. Widespread violence against civilians still exists in Srinagar and the Kashmir valley.

On 26 December 2004, a massive tsunami devastated coastal communities in the southern states of India and outlying Andaman and Nicobar islands. More than 10,250 people were killed and more than 70,000 were made homeless.

Nine months later, a massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the Kashmir region on 8 October 2005.

The earthquake ravaged the area resulting in a massive loss of life and property. More than 1,400 died in India alone and more than 150,000 people were made homeless.

Key challenges

Shelter: Thousands of houses were completely destroyed or damaged by the tsunami in the south, and by the earthquake in the north.

The majority of people affected by the tsunami are now living in new homes, hundreds of families are still living in temporary accommodation in the Kashmir region.

Destruction of livelihoods: The tsunami water-logged agricultural land and destroyed equipment for thousands of businesses such as fishing boats, sewing machines and stock for small shops.

In Kashmir, much of the agricultural land was damaged due to land slides and soil erosion has affected the fertility of the soil.

Education: Schools in Kashmir were badly damaged by the earthquake, classes are held in temporary sheds and tents. In the south, many schools were destroyed in the tsunami leaving thousands of children without access to education.

Healthcare: Access to health care is poor in Kashmir, especially for pregnant women and children. Many people were severely traumatised following the tsunami and the earthquake so the demand for medical and social care is high.

Water: Many springs collapsed during the earthquake cutting off drinking-water supplies for many families in Kashmir. Some families now have to walk 5km to access water.

section highlights

Proving another life is possible

Reverend Father Frederick D’Souza of Caritas India explains how rebuilding the emotional state of those affected by a disaster is just as important as rebuilding their homes

Quality takes time

Fr. John L. Noronha, former national director of Caritas India, talks about the post-tsunami challenges still faced by the group, and how it profits from strong links both within and outside India

Encouraging unity and diversity

Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo explains how India's unity and diversity is a lesson for the world, and expresses gratitude for the international support following the tsunami

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