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EU to provide €2 million assistance for flood-affected populations in Bangladesh and Nepal

Oct 3, 2017
EU to provide €2 million assistance for flood-affected populations in Bangladesh and Nepal

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In response to the floods and landslides that have swept across large swathes of Bangladesh and Nepal over recent weeks, the European Union is providing €2 million in relief funding to assist the most affected populations in the region. Of this amount, 1.2 million will be allocated to Bangladesh and €800 000 to Nepal.

Flooding Bangladesh

In response to the floods and landslides that have swept across large swathes of Bangladesh and Nepal over recent weeks, the European Union is providing €2 million in relief funding to assist the most affected populations in the region.

 

“The countries in South Asia are facing some of their worst floods in decades, which are resulting in a large-scale humanitarian situation affecting millions. It is especially in these hard times that EU solidarity makes a difference: our support will reach those most in need and help them recover from the devastating losses they have suffered,” said Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

EU support will provide rapid life-saving assistance, prioritising shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation, health, and protection to those affected by the floods, while restoring the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable populations.

Background

This is the worst flooding in Nepal of last 15 years, which has affected almost 2 million people. 160 people lost their lives, 20 900 families are still temporarily displaced and at least 235 000 houses have been damaged or completely destroyed. Because of the massive loss of livestock, people are now dependent on food distributions; however, so far these have not been sufficient to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable population.

Floods in Bangladesh are taking their toll on 8 million people affected, with 147 dead and 5634 people currently living in temporary shelters. Over 740 000 houses have been damaged or completely destroyed, and thousands of km. of roads and rail lines have been severely damaged. Across all affected districts, water-borne diseases pose an additional threat.

Since 1998, the European Union has invested over €43 million to fund disaster risk reduction and preparedness programmes in these two countries, supporting – among others – initiatives such as the building of flood-resistant infrastructures and the reinforcement of early warning systems.

Original source: European Commission.
Posted on 3 October 2017