Survivors Of S. Asia Floods Must Not Be Forgotten

Survivors of South Asia floods must not be forgotten, urge UN and partners

Warning that the humanitarian crisis in South Asia could worsen, the United Nations and leading relief agencies are calling for increased resources and attention to the plight of the millions in need of assistance after this summer's devastating floods.

A new wave of floods in the past few weeks has submerged vast areas that were just beginning to recover from earlier flooding, stranding another 100,000 people in Bangladesh and leaving millions homeless in India, according to a joint statement issued today in Geneva by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and international organizations CARE, World Vision, Save the Children, Oxfam and Mercy Corps.

"Overall, the floods which have struck with devastating effect in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan have now killed more than 4,000 people, and disrupted the lives of more than 66 million - a number larger than the population of France," the statement added.

In addition to the loss of life, the severe weather that occurred during this year's monsoon season has led to the death of livestock and the destruction of agricultural lands and livelihoods. Stagnant flood water, food shortages and the lack of drinking water are contributing to the outbreak of disease.

While the organizations have been carrying out relief efforts over the past several months, they stressed the need for greater resources in order to provide the assistance planned. "A more forceful international response is necessary to prevent an even greater catastrophe that will have debilitating social consequences for the affected population."

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes emphasized that the international aid community has been a "steadfast partner" in the efforts of the affected Governments to assist their people.

"We need to reinforce those efforts, and to look to the protracted process of recovery for those affected this year and above all to improve disaster risk reduction and preparedness for those who will be affected in the years to come," he said.

ENDS

More: Latest World News | Top World News | World Digest | Archives

© Scoop Media