The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an appeal for 1.4 million Swiss francs (USD 1.26 million / € 860.000) to support thousands of vulnerable people affected by flooding in Nepal.

The IFRC appeal is in support of the Nepal Red Cross. The money raised will be used to support 7,000 of the most vulnerable families in the Sunsari and Saptari areas with shelter and relief items.

More than 250,000 Swiss francs have already been allocated from the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support those made homeless by the flooding. Shelter kits and relief items are being shipped to around 5,000 families in the affected areas from IFRC warehouses in the region.

The Nepalese government has designated the Nepal Red Cross Society the lead agency in the distribution of relief. More than 200 Red Cross volunteers and staff have been deployed to the flooded areas, and have already distributed more than 60 tons of food, 2,730 tarpaulins, 2,200 kitchen sets and 600 blankets to families in need.

The Red Cross and local authorities are working closely to assess the damage and emergency needs, and these findings will allow the Nepal Red Cross to build its medium-term plans to support the displaced.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners - the Nepal Red Cross Society, the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and sister National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from across the world - are working together in Nepal to provide humanitarian support to all persons affected by emergencies.

The Movement calls upon the authorities to provide a favourable and secure environment to carry out humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected population.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Devendra Tak, Regional Communications Manager , Tel: +91-11-24111122-27

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies