WFP begins food distribution to flood victims

The Untied Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has started food distribution to people in the most flood-affected districts of Banke and Bardiya.

According to a press release issued by the WFP on Thursday, flood victims have started receiving an emergency relief package of rice, oil, lentils and salt.

The release stated that the WFP will start distribution in Kailali early next week.

“Thanks to the quick response from the donor community, and WFP’s excellent working relationship with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), in two weeks, we have been able to start delivering food to the most flood-affected victims in the Western Terai,” said Richard Ragan, WFP Country Representative in Nepal. 

“So far, the NRCS and a number of other Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been working to provide ready to eat meals and now we’ll begin providing a more complete food basket,” Ragan further said.

WFP’s initial response to provide 10,000 families (around 60,000 people) with three months of food rations was based upon the initial needs identified by the NRCS and requested by the Government of Nepal (GoN), stated the release.

“ Since the GoN’s initial request, the number of people impacted by the floods across the country has increased to over 400,000 people and we are already in the process of appealing to donors for additional funds to cover the increased food needs of the flood victims,” said Ragan.

Over 33 districts have been impacted by days of incessant monsoon rains. Including Banke, Bardiya and Kailali, some of the most impacted districts were Mahottari, Dhanusa, Parsa, Siraha and Saptari, Rautahat, Sunsari and Morang.