Nepal: Flood rebuilding plan announced September 12 /update 4

Event

The Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee (CNDRC) announced on Tuesday, September 12, that the government intends to build flood-resistant homes in flood-prone areas of the Terai region within the next six months. Monsoon-related flooding in Nepal has killed at least 159 people and affected over 1.7 million more in the country since the beginning of the monsoon season this summer. In August alone, nearly 21,000 families were displaced and over 43,000 houses destroyed.

Context

Flooding and landslides are common in the Himalayan region of Nepal during the monsoon season. The monsoon season in Nepal officially started on June 12 this year, and typically spans from June until August.

This year's floods have been described as the most catastrophic to hit South Asia in several years, affecting at least a combined 40 million people in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. Nearly 2000 schools and roughly 200,000 homes in Nepal have been damaged by floodwaters and landslides. Additionally, widespread damages to transportation infrastructure have been reported, and the flooding has exacerbated the threat of waterborne disease in large portions of the country. Further human casualties are possible in Nepal in coming weeks due to the continued threat of the transmission of waterborne disease and lack of food security in affected areas.

Advice

Individuals present in regions affected by flooding are advised to adhere to all instructions as issued by local authorities (evacuation orders, etc.). Monitor any relevant developments of the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.