Home ministry appeals to help flood victims

Kathmandu, Aug 21 (UNI) The Home Ministry of Nepal has urged for national and international aid to help flood victims in eastern Nepal where over 35,000 people of 6,000 families were displaced due to the break in the embankment in Saptakoshi river.

The Ministry has said the flooded river has inundated four VDCs including Sripur, Haripur, Laukahi and Western Kushaha of Sunsari districts in eastern Terai.

One thousand houses have been swept away and 3000 damaged, according to the home ministry. The Nepal government has allocated Rs 20 million relief for the flood affected people.

Meanwhile, US announced 50,000 dollars for emergency relief supplies to the flood victims in Sunsari district.

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu said the USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has, in response to US Ambassador Nancy J Powell's request, authorised the immediate release of 50,000 dollars to provide emergency relief supplies to the flood victims.

Save the Children, in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross, will use the US disaster assistance money for local purchase and transport of relief supplies, including blankets and shelter for the Nepalis who lost their homes in the flooding.

''The key is speed and flexibility in meeting the immediate relief needs of the villagers,'' the statement quoted an USAID official as saying. ''The people in Sunsari need help now and this money will help us provide that immediate help.'' The US is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed, according to the USAID official.

UNI XC PD HT1742