US envoy visits flood-hit areas

BHUBANESWAR: US Ambassador Peter Burleigh on Wednesday went to the flood-affected areas in Puri and met the community leaders. “The United States is committed to helping these communities recover from these devastating floods. We will continue to work through our partners and with the Government of India to support those affected by this tragedy,” saidCharge d’Affaires Burleigh.  The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated close to $ 550,000 to the worst-hit communities. The funds will provide 45,000 people in five affected districts essential items to reduce the risk of illness and restore flood-affected families’ livelihood. The support includes temporary shelters, hygiene kits to prevent water-borne diseases and promote sanitation, vouchers for small-holder farmers to purchase materials such as certified seeds and fertilisers for the winter cropping season.  Burleigh toured Bhagbatpur and Balibhoisahi villages to see the impact of the flood.