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," said WFP Nepal Representative, Richard Ragan.

"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,” he said.

“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.

Displacement

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.

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.

Rations

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.

“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.

Heather Sutliff
WFP/Nepal
Tel. +977-1-5535694
Cell. +977-9851019098

Lena Savelli
WFP/Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 655 4115
Ext 2490
Cell. +66 89 508 4145

Brenda Barton
Deputy Director
Communications
WFP/Rome
Tel. +39-06-65132602
Cell. +39-3472582217
(ISDN line available)

Gregory Barrow
WFP/London
Tel. +44-20-72409001
Cell. +44-7968-008474

Christiane Berthiaume
WFP/Geneva
Tel. +41-22-9178564
Cell. +41-792857304

Jennifer Parmelee
WFP/Washington
Tel. +1-202-6530010
Ext. 1149
Cell. +1-202-4223383

Bettina Luescher
WFP/New York
Tel. +1-212-9635196
Cell. +1-646-8241112