260,000 people affected by floods in Nepal with situation set to worsen, says Red Cross Red Crescent
13 August 2002

Concern is growing for flood and landslide victims in Nepal as heavy monsoon rains extend westwards across the country and an exceptionally high snow pack and glacial melt-rate adds to the already swollen river volumes, says the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Nearly 260,000 people have been badly affected by the floods in 47 of the country's 75 districts, aggravated by four days of the heaviest rainfall in 30 years during late July. The floods and landslides have left 422 people dead with another 173 still reported missing, with hilly regions suffering the highest casualty figures. About 32,000 people have so far been left homeless in Nepal but with communication to some areas still cut off, a full picture of the situation has yet to emerge. Aerial assessments indicate severe destruction, particularly in hilly regions.

The International Federation has today launched an appeal for 2.5 million Swiss francs (1.6 million dollars) to help the Nepal Red Cross assist 130,000 people with food, shelter, blankets, clothing and water purification tablets. It has advanced 150,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to kick start the operation. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has contributed 100,000 Swiss francs for an initial procurement of relief items.

The provision of water purification tablets is essential due to an increased incidence of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and dysentery in flood-affected areas. "There is also the ever-present threat of mosquitoes breeding on stagnant floodwaters and the spread of malaria and encephalitis," says the International Federation's Eelko Brouwer, who has just carried out a needs assessment in flooded areas with the Nepal Red Cross and the ICRC.

The appeal will also provide equipment for Nepal Red Cross volunteers to continue assessment and rescue missions for this and future disasters as well as helping 200 of the most vulnerable families in mountainous regions rebuild their homes.

The Nepal Red Cross has already assisted more than 43,000 people in eastern and western Nepal. "But our relief stocks are severely depleted and emergency relief needs are growing in the country," says Nepal Red Cross Secretary General, Dev Ratna Dhakhwa. The Nepal Red Cross has been given the role of coordinating all relief for this disaster due to its extensive network of volunteers and staff and its ability to reach communities in remote areas, which at times can take several days and can only be done on foot.

The International Federation appeal for Nepal is part of a regional Red Cross Red Crescent response to the current floods crisis in South Asia. An appeal has already been launched for Bangladesh where 3.5 million people are affected. Another appeal is being prepared and will be launched shortly for the floods affected areas of India.

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

Jemini Pandya, Acting Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 45 70 / 41 79 217 3374
Marie-Françoise Borel, Press Officer - Tel: + 41 79 217 33 45/ 41 79 416 3881 (duty phone)

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 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.