Fighting flooding in Andhra Pradesh, India with brick, cement, and grass

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2012

EUGENE, Ore., August 10, 2012 – India Partners and Engineering Ministries International (eMi2) are saving lives and land on a river island in Andhra Pradesh from reoccurring floods.

After surviving past major flooding, islanders living in the southeastern state of India expressed to India Partners that erosion control and the protection of people and animals were their main concerns. Engineers found a cost-effective solution that will use vetiver grass and sturdier platform houses to save people’s farmland, homes and animals from washing away.

Vetiver grass is a native Indian plant that has been widely used to control land erosion. It grows quickly and has strong roots that penetrate deep into the soil. Terraces of vetiver grass will be created over eroding areas to save the land this agricultural community depends on for food and income. This is a sustainable solution that can be replicated by neighboring island communities facing the same problem.

Engineers also designed small, brick and cement homes that will be placed on stilts. During floods, homes are easily destroyed because they’re made with mud and thatch. With an elevated structure, islanders will be able to move families, belongings, and animals to higher ground to escape the rising waters.

Since 2009 over 60 families have relocated off the island due to flooding. Most of them made homes from tarps and live on the side of the road. For many of these families, their ultimate hope is to return to their homeland and live in a safe home.

Donations will help protect the island from erosion and help provide a safe home for families.

For more information about India Partners disaster relief efforts, or to donate, visit www.IndiaPartners.org, or call toll-free 1-877-87-INDIA.

About India Partners:
India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice. India Partners believes in helping the people of India help themselves, regardless of caste, religion, gender or creed. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change.

Press Contact Only: Brent Hample
Tel: 541-683-0696
Email Brent