MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
The Australian Government will provide $1 million for food and recovery support for flood-affected communities in Nepal.
On 18 August the eastern embankment of the Kosi River in south-eastern Nepal collapsed resulting in major flooding in Nepal and in Bihar in north-east India.
The floods have displaced 70,000 Nepali people and at least 10,000 people from flood-affected Bihar in India have crossed into Nepal seeking assistance.
Thousands of hectares of land have been flooded, more than 5,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed and major infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
Australia will provide $500,000 through the World Food Programme (WFP) for short to medium-term food needs and recovery support to flood-affected people.
We will also contribute $500,000 to UNICEF for relief materials and humanitarian support including shelter, safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene kits.
This assistance is in response to calls by international agencies for relief and recovery efforts in Nepal.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555