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WFP comes to the rescue of flood-victims

Responding to the requests made by the government, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Nepal has initiated an emergency humanitarian response to provide an estimated 60,000 flood-affected people with food aid for up to three months.

"Since the onset of the heavy rains, the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Red Cross Society have worked tirelessly to address the basic needs of flood victims in communities across the country, from east to west, in the mountains as well as the Terai. In response to the Government's request for humanitarian assistance, we are making available an initial US$500,000 for procurement of immediate food assistance," said WFP Nepal Representative, Richard Ragan.

"However, given the number of families affected and the remoteness of the impacted areas, we estimate that we will need to raise approximately U$1.5million to meet the basic food requirements of the flood victims," Ragan added.

The Nepal Government requested WFP's assistance after nearly three weeks of continuous monsoon rains caused flooding and landslides in 32 districts across the country. An estimated 200,000 people are currently vulnerable to food insecurity due to displacement, loss of livelihoods and damaged homes, says WFP press release.

WFP's initial response is based on needs identified by the Government and the Red Cross. WFP will work closely with both partners over the next few days to identify the people and communities most in need of assistance. As a part of its humanitarian response to the crisis, WFP will make available sufficient quantities of rice, lentils, oil and salt to feed 60,000 people for 90 days.

The WFP has also asked for help from all concerned to create favourable atmosphere for the delivery of foods to the people living in violence-wreaked regions.

"Given that many of these affected areas are located within the Eastern Terai – districts that have been impacted by months of violence and insecurity – we appeal to all parties to support WFP's efforts to deliver food aid to the most vulnerable communities within these areas," said Ragan. nepalnews.com sd Aug 03 07