As flood waters recede, people are returning to their villages with little hope as they wonder how they will rebuild their destroyed homes.

Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Emet Malik is devastated after raging floodwaters ripped his home apart. Emet wasn’t expecting to lose his home in this disaster, but the floods discriminated against no one.

The rampant waters, which are the latest in a series of flooding disasters to hit India during this year’s monsoon season, affected 100 people in Emet’s village along with devastating various parts of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

In the area where Emet lives, incessant rains and landslides took a toll on the land and people’s lives. Farmers, who were looking forward to harvesting their crops, watched as their only source of sustenance washed away.

Their houses, made of mud, stone and wood, were destroyed. Many were forced to stay in relatives’ homes until the waters receded.

Now that the rain has stopped, some are finding their way back to their villages only to find them lying in ruins. Many wonder how they will repair their houses with no money or hope of an income to rebuild.

Emet and his family are suffering alongside the rest.

“Until and unless the house is repaired, we will not be able to go back to our home,” he said.

In another area of Uttarakhand, the disaster affected around 8,000 people. The floods submerged crops, as well as barns that held people’s livestock. A primary school has water damage in its classrooms.

Landslides have cut off important routes into the villages, making it difficult for the people to receive relief supplies and food.

Reports indicate that 60 people died and thousands are now homeless in Uttarakhand because of the devastating floods.

Uttar Pradesh is also suffering extensive flood damage. The rivers Ghaghra and Yumuna have inundated large areas, sweeping away around 50 houses and forcing 250 villagers to take shelter on a nearby embankment.

Some reports say at least 68 people in Uttar Pradesh drowned in the unexpected deluge.

GFA Compassion Service teams are working hard to get into the areas that are blocked off by the mud and landslides, and they are already bringing spiritual and physical aid to families and individuals in desperate need.

“The people affected by the flood are very poor and have lost everything of the little that they had,” said a GFA regional leader. “Even the cooking vessels have been washed away by the flood. They are in deep distress.

“We are doing the best we can to demonstrate the love of Christ through the help we can give to them during this difficult time.”

“Please keep this brother, his family and our hundreds of other workers in your prayers,” added GFA President K.P Yohannan. “Pray the Lord will encourage them through their hardships and use them as mighty instruments to declare His glory, especially in times like these.

“The flood victims also covet your prayers. Please join me in praying for the Lord to use His workers to pour the new life found in Christ into those who are suffering.”