This was originally posted on wfp.org
WFP is providing logistical assistance and initial food rations to affected communities – and stands ready to scale up as needed.
The World Food Programme (WFP) stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal following Wednesday’s devastating floods and landslides and is supporting the Government’s emergency response with logistical assistance and initial food rations to affected areas.
With the disaster leaving hundreds dead and missing, and communities grappling with widespread loss and destruction, urgent humanitarian support is critical – and WFP is ready to scale up our response as needed. At least 10,000 households are in need of immediate relief, according to Nepalese authorities. Our teams have been deployed to the affected area to assess needs for further food and logistical assistance.
Within hours of the disaster and at the request of Nepalese Government authorities, WFP had already dispatched nutrient-packed ready-to-eat food rations (high-energy biscuits) for hundreds of affected households that do not have immediate access to cooking facilities. We are also working with our fellow United Nations and other humanitarian partners to mobilize staff, relief supplies, and other critical assistance to support the response.
Fighting malnutrition, better preparing for shocks
For decades, WFP has been a longstanding partner of the Government of Nepal and has worked alongside its institutions and communities in a raft of areas, from fighting malnutrition, wasting and anemia – including through school meals, smallholder farmers, cooperatives – to assisting at-risk communities to better prepare for and mitigate climate shocks.
A key area of collaboration has been strengthening Nepal’s disaster risk reduction and management systems. Through initiatives such as establishing strategic hubs to facilitate efficient humanitarian deliveries (Humanitarian Staging Areas), forecast-based early action efforts, and an early warning programme to protect people against hazards, WFP has been supporting proactive preparedness, informed decision-making, and timely response efforts. These initiatives help enhance Nepal’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond effectively to emergencies and disasters.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this recent disaster.
