Silver Spring, Maryland --In response to heavy flooding in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in the western region of India, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is currently providing emergency food aid to more than 4,000 people affected by the recent disaster.

"Families who have lost everything will be given first priority," said Heriberto Muller, country director for the ADRA office in India. "Next, pregnant mothers, older folks, infants, and children will be given immediate priority, followed by men and women who are working, but also affected."

The food packages will help feed a family of five for two weeks, giving them time to return to their normal lives. Each family will receive rice, dhal, oil, salt, and sugar to assist with their immediate dietary needs. The food items were selected based on the most essential and basic components of the diet in the region.

ADRA International, in partnership with the Western India Union office of Seventh-day Adventists, and the Southern Asia divisional office of Seventh-day Adventists financed the $10,000 project, which is scheduled to conclude August 28.

ADRA has been active in India since 1992, meeting the needs of her people through community development projects, basic health care, water and sanitation initiatives, and economic development programs.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.