Nepal Red Cross Society has been actively involved in rescue


Nepal Red Cross Society has been actively involved in rescue, relief and assessment works in the flood affected regions in eastern and central regions of Nepal.

The Situation

After heavy rains started a few days back, widespread flooding and landslides continue to bring suffering to thousands of people in eastern and central regions of Nepal. Sixteen out of eighteen affected districts are situated in these regions, whereas two districts are in mid and far-western region. Over 80.000 in these districts have been affected. The death toll reported so far has reached to 50 and primary assessments indicates massive destruction of infrastructure. Several districts in the southern Terai region have been submerged by water and people have moved to safer areas using schools and temples as shelters. In the hilly region landslides have started to occur and houses have been swept away resulting in casualties. Over 1.200 houses have been completely destroyed and 1.600 partially damaged. No signs of epidemics have been reported so far, but might be expected.

The heavy rains in these parts of the country may continue for a few more days according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The weather improved 12 July resulting in reduced water levels which helped to assess and start distribution of relief material. The highways in the eastern and central region were damaged and the transportation link with the capital was interrupted for three days but has re-opened. Airlines have also suspended their flights as airports in the regions are still submerged under water.

The Government has started reaching the affected areas by helicopters and started distribution of dry foods, however the assistance needs to be expanded to all affected areas. The Nepal Red Cross district branches have been reaching the affected population with rescue and relief services.

Red Cross/Red Crescent Action

Due to difficulty in communication and transportation, the Nepal Red Cross (NRCS) has been able to receive up-to-date information from only some of the disaster affected districts on a regular basis. As the areas are still under water it has been difficult for the NRCS to do an assessment of the situation and start planned relief distribution.

However, the NRCS has continuously been monitoring the situation and involving it volunteers and staff in rescue and relief activities where possible. Though reports are yet to be received by the HQ from all affected districts, so far 278 families in six districts have been supported with food and non-food assistance.

NRCS has decided to in the coming days focus on immediate response with supply off food items purchased locally and water purification liquid. Districts have already taken initiatives to mobilize local resources and reach affected with food items. HQ will be providing NRs. 15.000.00 to each affected district to cover minimum costs for the above mentioned activities.

Due to the conflict situation in the country all components of the Red Cross Movement met discussed the operation. Recommendations were sent to the districts to ensure proper sharing of information and coordination with government and other actors while pointing out the need for independence of the NRCS in the actual operation.

At present, the NRCS has warehouses are full of relief stocks with the capacity of supporting 35 thousand families. Relief materials has been pre-positioned in each districts before the monsoon season and more material will been dispatched from regional warehouses in Birgunj and Biratnagar, when needed and the transport situation allows.

Coordination and information sharing is taking place at national level with the Home Ministry as well as UNDP, WHO, USAID and other actors.