Heavy local rain showers severely affected the Usthi project region in Hyderabad during the night of 27 August. The region experienced flooding on a scale not seen in 98 years. A children’s homes campus in the north of the city is under floodwater. On another campus, the buildings of the Usthi children’s homes and women’s homes were damaged.

We are relieved and grateful that no one was harmed. However, the damage is immense. In order for the children and young women to remain safe and return to their daily lives as soon as possible, rapid assistance is required.

Since the beginning of August, Hyderabad has been suffering from heavy monsoon rains. During the night of 27 August, the water levels rose so rapidly that the boundary wall of the campus, where several Usthi children’s homes are located, collapsed. At another location, the groundwater rose so high due to the persistent rain that the floors and walls of some children’s and women’s homes were damaged. The rain has now subsided and some of the water has been drained away, but the situation remains critical.

Our partner in Hyderabad is working hard to repair the worst water damage, and initial repairs have already begun. The aim is to provide the children and young women from the projects with a safe and secure place to live again as quickly as possible.

Thanks to generous contributions from the Usthi community, we could already raise over CHF 5,000 to support our partner organisation in Hyderabad quickly and efficiently with the most urgent measures after the flood. We are extremely grateful for the solidarity and support of Usthi donors!

It is now clear that the damage caused by the flood is extensive and the costs incurred by our partner are high. We therefore remain grateful for any support in the form of donations marked «Emergency aid Hyderabad».

There is an urgent need for action. Our partner organisation in Hyderabad has already begun implementing the most important measures. The following steps are to be taken:

• Dry out residential buildings and repair damaged floors and walls: In some children’s and women’s homes, the floors need to be dried out and rebuilt, and water damage to the walls needs to be repaired.
• Rebuild the wall around the campus: The wall separating the property from the street must be rebuilt as soon as possible to protect the children and young women.
• Repair damaged staff accommodation: A staff accommodation on campus has been damaged and needs extensive repairs.
• Prevent future flooding: The construction of a retaining wall and the excavation of a small canal will enable water to be diverted into a nearby pond in future. This should prevent further flooding.
• Provide emergency aid to affected residents: Many families in the neighbourhood and surrounding villages have lost everything. Construction workers who had been staying with their families near the children’s homes lost all their belongings. Families who have been particularly affected are to be provided with essential items such as food, blankets and clothing.

We are grateful for every donation. With your support, Usthis’ partner in Hyderabad can repair and recreate a safe home for the children and young women as quickly as possible.