WFP to feed flood victims for a month

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Nepal has announced to feed 50,000 people displaced by Saptakoshi flood in Sunsari.

A press release issued by the WFP said, "The emergency operation is in response to a Government of Nepal request after monsoon rains caused an embankment of the Saptakoshi River to collapse, flooding thousands of hectares of land and forcing an estimated 50,000 people to flee their homes."

"We were able to quickly get food moving to thousands of displaced families affected by these devastating floods," said Richard Ragan, WFP Country Representative in Nepal. "However, we are concerned about the continuous rains which could increase the number of people in need of food."

“As an initial response, WFP will provide a 15-day food basket consisting of rice, pulses, salt and vegetable oil to 50,000 flood victims. WFP is prepared to provide food for up to 30 days for families who cannot return to their homes because of high water levels," said the press release.

According to the WFP, nearly 5,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed in the area due to the flood, which has covered significant portion of the Sunsari district.

As strikes in Nawalparasi section of the East- West Highway are delaying trucks carrying WFP humanitarian food relief to flood victims. WFP has begun escorting trucks through this section.

WFP has also urged protestors not to block its food deliveries. "Stopping much needed food to people who have lost everything is simply no way to deal with grievances," urged Ragan.