South Asia Floods – Nepal, India, Bangladesh (DG ECHO, ASDMA, IFRC, WHO, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 12 September 2017)

In India, flood waters have receded in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, 49 335 people continue to be affected in seven districts of Assam State. Altogether, 20.77 million people remain affected in 52 districts of the three states. Media report that affected families have returned to their villages. DG ECHO’s assessment in Bihar indicates that Dalits were the worst affected in these floods. Critical gaps are around WASH, shelter and food security.

In Nepal, more than 20 888 families remain displaced. The Ministry of Health has activated the Central Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) to respond to the diseases emerged from floods and landslides. Despite the support of humanitarian agencies providing assistance to 1.1 million people and the response of the Government of Nepal and the international community, critical gaps remain. EUR 35 million are requested by the Humanitarian Country Team through the Joint Response Plan.

In Bangladesh, people return to their homes as the floodwaters recede. However, access remains a problem in many areas. Over 650 000 hectares of crops have been damaged, leading to short and midterm food shortages for approximately 1.5 million people. 179 943 children under five and 90 568 pregnant and lactating women require targeted food distribution. The Red Crescent aims at reaching 30 000 people affected by water borne diseases but funding for the overall response remains problematic.