ActionAid has called on the Indian government to step up relief efforts after devastating floods in south India which have killed hundreds and left hundreds of thousands homeless. 

The floods have caused massive damage to roads and infrastructure in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and thousands of homes in poor communities have been washed away.

ActionAid is providing food and drinking water to around 10,000 families (50,000 people)  through nine partner organisations. However partners and community networks on the ground have been overwhelmed with the scale of destruction and are reporting that very little government aid is reaching those who need it.

Unni Krishnan, International Emergencies Programme Manager said: “ActionAid is working with community organisations to ensure relief is reaching those most in need - women and children. But the government must urgently step up rescue and relief efforts to make sure that aid gets through.

“We are working with local government to ensure relief supported is being provided effectively especially for rescue, nutrition and recovery.”

“Our other priorities are working with village leaders to ensure they are involved in assessing the scale of damage and what is needed and in the relief operation. We are also working with district health authorities to set-up preventative health programmes,” he said.

People are also in need of medicines, sheets for shelters and family kits with torches.

As the flood waters recede the extent of the devastation is becoming more apparent. There are many animal carcasses which have yet to be cleared and are posing a public health risk.