Statement on the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy in northwestern India

New Delhi, 22 June 2023 - In response to Cyclone Biparjoy – which hit coastal India between 16-17 June – and its impact on children, Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Save the Children India said:

“While not as strong as expected, Cyclone Biparjoy left a trail of destruction, with potentially long-lasting impacts for the most vulnerable children. In the hardest-hit state of Rajasthan, over 58,000 people – including at least 18,000 children – were affected by floods and power outages, several roads and buildings were damaged or destroyed, including nearly 8,700 houses.

“With over 200 school buildings damaged or destroyed, our biggest concern for children across the affected districts who have already had so much of their education disrupted in past years, is that they’ll fall behind again in their learning. 

“Farms have also been particularly hard hit, with livestock deaths threatening to put already vulnerable families into further distress. As flood waters recede, there’s a heightened risk of diseases like cholera or typhoid. Children, particularly small babies, are most likely to suffer the consequences of a disaster like this, as they are more vulnerable to dehydration.

“Save the Children is working with local governments to meet the immediate needs of those in Jalore District but the needs are great and resources stretched.”