Nepalnews.com Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd.

UN calls for unhindered access for aid workers in flood-affected region

Following the visit to the eastern region, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Matthew Kahane has pointed out the need to respect the Basic Operating Guidelines of the UN, donors and I/NGOs.

"It is essential that relief work is not interfered with by any individuals or groups of people and I urge all parties in the flood affected districts to allow humanitarian and development workers to carry on their activities without fear or any form of interference. Bandhs and intimidation obviously hinder relief work directly," stated Kahane.

Kahane said that in absence of unhindered access for humanitarian workers and delivery of relief, it will be very difficult to provide the much needed support to flood victims.

The eastern region, particularly Terai districts, has been affected by violence and killings by several armed outfits in recent months.

Kahane visited the eastern region to assess the effects of the floods and the potential longer-term humanitarian consequences of this natural disaster, according to a press release issued by UNIC.

"I am very happy to see that most of the flood waters have receded, but I am struck by the considerable damage caused by the flood and its immediate and longer-term impact on the livelihoods of the people affected," stated Kahane.

Kahane visited some of the most affected VDCs and held meetings with the Presidents and District Chapter Chairmen of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and the Chief District Officers in Sunsari, Saptari and Siraha districts, the release adds. He also attended a regional coordination meeting of UN agencies, the NRCS and the INGOs involved in the flood response in Biratnagar, Morang District.

Although encouraged by the fact that affected families had resumed their daily agricultural and employment activities including rice planting, he was concerned whether the flood victims had enough resources to re-establish their livelihoods without additional help.

He further witnessed effective assessments being done by the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), the Police, the Armed Police (APF), and community volunteers under the overall coordination of the CDOs with resources provided by the Government, international and national Non Governmental Organisations (I/NGOs) and the United Nations (UN) as well as local private entrepreneurs through the NRCS.

"We believe that the NRCS as an impartial Nepali organisation with a country-wide network is best placed to continue doing assessments and providing immediate flood response with the support of law enforcement personnel and UN agencies," said Kahane adding, "We heard from the villages of the need for more comprehensive river management arrangements and embankments to avoid future flooding."

With support from the Government, UN, I/NGOs and the private sector, NRCS seemed to have sufficient stocks to take care of the immediate needs of the affected. But the logistical support like boats, jeeps; and the fuel to operate them, to get the relief materials to the affected people from the district headquarters on time, remained in short supply, the release adds.

"Now that the water has receded, there is a need for detailed assessment under the supervision of the District Administration and with the support of the NGOs, UN, NRCS and other technical people to assess crop loss and damaged infrastructure like roads, bridges and irrigation canals."

According to the latest NRCS estimates, 96 people have died; a total of 337, 241 people are reportedly affected throughout the country; 22,248 houses are partially and 15,819 houses are completely destroyed. nepalnews.com sd Aug 11 07