World Vision steps up relief as drought grips India

World Vision is stepping up support to drought-hit families in India, as the growing crisis affects a quarter of the country's population.

330million people are facing severe water shortages and crop failures, which have tragically prompted more than 200 farmers to take their own lives.

Following poor monsoon rains, and with temperatures soaring above 40C, the crisis is taking its toll on children who have been forced to leave affected areas and to drop out of school.

The Bundelkhand region in the states of Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh, and the Marathwada region in Maharashtra are the worst affected, with the government declaring 27,723 villages as drought hit in these areas alone. The Bundelkand region is facing drought for the fourth consecutive time.

World Vision works in 15 districts and is stepping up immediate relief, and is helping vulnerable families – particularly farmers – to cope. Other relief over the coming months includes food kits to severely affected families, cash for work programmes, and supply of fodder and water to help cattle which many families are dependent upon. The aid agency has also been involved in building water tanks, checking dams and pumps, and helping with crop diversification in preparation for severe weather events.