A lack of proper shelter and sanitation in camps has left refugees vulnerable to disease and the cold.
Before a GFA Compassion Services team distributed blankets in this relief camp, many families were bearing the cold without any blankets or winter clothing.

A Gospel for Asia Compassion Services team distributed 600 blankets on December 17 after reports stated that up to 50 children in relief camps have died due to exposure and disease.

Thousands of people have moved to relief camps since September, when a violent clash between two communities sparked riots in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A lack of proper shelter, food and restrooms has left refugees vulnerable to the cold, as well as diarrhea, typhoid and dengue fever.

“We count our lives by the nights,” a refugee told the Indian Express. “There is no watch, no calendar. We watch our children make it from one night to the next.”

Dwellings in the camp are made with plastic sheets, and during the cold nights, dew collects on the sheets and drips through the roofs and covers residents.

“I try hard to keep this dew from dripping through by packing my clothes against the tarpaulin, but the dew soaks up our blankets by morning. Three of my children already have a fever,” Sajida, 28, told the Indian Express.

Like many families, Sajida’s doesn’t have enough blankets even before the dew strikes. Sajida, her husband and their seven children share two blankets. Many families are suffering through temperatures in the 40s without any blankets or winter clothing.

Gospel for Asia is one of several organizations providing relief for refugees. The Compassion Services team also hopes to provide winter clothing in the coming days.

Please pray for:

  • The Lord’s leading for our teams as they distribute blankets and winter clothing and share Christ’s love.
  • Many blankets to be provided through GFA and other organizations distributing them.
  • Higher temperatures and less dew in the coming nights.
  • Food, sanitary conditions and protection from disease for refugees.
  • Peace between these violence-torn communities.