Highlights
The June-September monsoon season brought flooding to Nepal and neighboring India. Much of the country is still suffering from flood waters resulting in complicated and difficult response and recovery efforts. In Nepal more than 114 people are reported dead, 156 people are out of contact, and over 7000 families displaced and 15,000 families are partially affected. In total, 21 districts are affected severely as a result of monsoon rain and floods. Many humanitarian as well as government organizations are responding. Unmet needs are being reported of food, water, health, and emergency shelter. The four districts most severely affected are (Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Surkhet) http://neoc.gov.np/en/ ShelterBox is providing humanitarian aid, emergency shelter, and supplies, such as water filters, stoves, and blankets. (Source). Jhanka Nath Dhakal of Nepal’s National Emergency Operation Center said four helicopters with food, emergency supplies, medicine and medical workers were sent to villages in the west of the country. (Source) Rescuers were also attempting to reach the villages by road. However, most of the highways and rural roads are either submerged or damaged by the flooding, preventing vehicles from passing.
Risks: Drowning and injuries, floods potentially increase the risks of various infections. Authorities have established camps and provided people with clean water and dry food to prevent epidemics of water-born diseases, especially cholera. Officials in the worst-hit districts of Surkhet, Bardiya and Dang have also provided water purifying materials to affected villagers. People suffering from fever, dysentery and diarrhea are being treated at nearby health posts. (AFP, http://www.afp.com/en/node/2735421). Currently, there are no cases of cholera reported. Direct Relief is working with health providers to assess needs and deliver medical items. Emergency hospitals report shortages of IV fluids, catheters, bandages, oxygen, oral rehydration solution and antibiotics. Meanwhile, ointment to treat skin infections, cough medicine, iodine and bandages are inadequate for basic care. (Direct Relief, (Source))