link: Nepal Food Security Bulletin Issue 46

$130 MILLION TO SUPPORT NEPAL’S EARTHQUAKE RELIEF AND RECOVERY

USAID’s commitment to Nepal has stood the test of time. In the aftermath of the devastating April 25 earthquake, our commitment remains stronger than ever. On June 25, 2015, the United States government announced $130 million to support Nepal’s earthquake relief and recovery needs. This contribution builds upon USAID’s investments on disaster preparedness, and is only the beginning of our contribution to Nepal’s earthquake recovery, which will span multiple years.

EDUCATION - GETTING CHILDREN BACK IN SCHOOL

In collaboration with Save the Children and UNICEF, 132 child-friendly spaces established in 13 most-affected districts, providing protected environments to an estimated 12,600 vulnerable children. 1,000 temporary learning centers (TLC) in 10 of the 14 most-affected districts.

Temporary Learning Centers sites also receive teaching and learning materials, psychosocial training support for teachers, and water and sanitation facilities.

SUPPORT FOR HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Community resilience program expanded to nine districts in the earthquake zone and already supported 600 hard-hit families through cash-for-work infrastructure development activities in four districts.

USAID’s contribution to the World Bank Nepal Earthquake Reconstruction Multi-Donor Trust Fund will directly support the Government-led beneficiary survey in the 11 most-affected rural districts, as well as the provision of housing reconstruction cash grants to affected homeowners.

Since April 25, USAID has trained 985 construction professionals on building earthquake resistant shelters.

Over the next five years, USAID will train 13,500 construction professionals.

And orient over 285,000 affected HOMEOWNERS on building earthquake-resistant homes.

REBUILDING LIVELIHOODS AND SUPPORTING FOOD SECURITY

To meet the immediate needs of farm communities in 8 affected districts, USAID is providing essential agricultural supplies and technical expertise, including 50,000 grain storage bags, 400 mini-tillers and other modern agricultural tools, and 40 soft plastic cocoons for community grain storage

Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab provided SEEDS and SEEDLINGS, durable shelter materials, and TRAINING to Nepalis to help 2,300 minimize economic shocks in two districts.

Restoring ANIMAL HEALTH services in five districts most heavily impacted by the earthquake, benefiting approximately 60,000 PEOPLE.

Integrated nutrition program is supporting the re-establishment of POULTRY FARMS and VEGETABLE GARDENS in six districts

Short-term livelihoods support for FOOD-INSECURE 2,250 HOUSEHOLDS in five districts.

TRAINING TO LOCAL MECHANICS on the maintenance of the power tools, use of community garden kits, along with advice for better crop production.

SUPPORTING GOVERNANCE AND PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE

To prevent increased HUMAN TRAFFICKING after the earthquake, USAID’s Combating Trafficking in Persons program conducted vulnerability assessments in five districts, and expanded to six additional earthquake-affected districts associated with an increased risk for GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV), UNSAFE MIGRATION, and HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

USAID’s BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION and CLIMATE CHANGE adaptation program is helping ensure that recovery and reconstruction efforts do not have unintended negative effects on the environment. For instance, the program encourages sustainable harvesting of timber from community forests for reconstruction.

To help increase GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY on recovery spending, USAID expanded its local governance program to SIX AFFECTED DISTRICTS in an effort to increase communication and coordination between local government officials and community leaders. The program will provide medium-term post-disaster support, including preparation of recovery and reconstruction plans by Village Development Committees.

USAID’s governance program supported civil society groups to MONITOR BUDGET ALLOCATION, SPENDING, and the status of vulnerable groups in displacement camps, as well as capacity building to coordinate donor/NGO support.

Efforts focus on COMMUNITY REHABILITATION through PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT, increased AWARENESS of human trafficking and GBV, promotion and creation of economic/ livelihood opportunities to help victims rebuild their lives, provision of legal support, and increased access to rehabilitation services and resources available from the Nepali government.

HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGEINE SERVICES

30 out-patient therapeutic feeding centers established

40,000 mothers, caregivers, pregnant, and postnatal women counseled on breastfeeding and maternal nutrition

81,000 sachets of oral rehydration distributed

11,300 bottles of piyush (a water disinfectant) distributed

25 community medical assistants deployed

400 Clean Delivery Kits for safe child distributed

42,500 life-saving Chlorhexidine gel tubes included in the Clean Delivery Kits

84,000 children under 5 screened for malnutrition

3,000 treated for acute malnutrition

Provided 5,727 physiotherapy sessions and assistive devices, such as prosthetics, to the injured. Extended outreach rehabilitation treatment care supported approximately 1,000 injured in the earthquake-affected districts.

PRE-EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION INITIATIVES

PEOPLE Invested in training more than 4,000 people to conduct RISK ASSESSMENTS and develop EARTHQUAKE-PREPAREDNESS plans for schools, hospitals, and airport and transportation authorities, as well as raising public awareness for the use of “go bags"

Trained more than 7,500 MASONS, as well as municipality staff and building contractors, on seismically safe construction and building code compliance

12 warehouses with relief material in strategic locations throughout Nepal.

Helped the government develop a debris management plan involving 9 pre-identified sites for rubble disposal in Kathmandu

400 Teaching Hospital staff trained in disaster preparedness and a seismic-proof blood bank constructed.

Mobilized over 1,100 professional emergency responders from across the country.

Supported the construction of 7 new deep tube wells within the Kathmandu Valley

In 2013, open spaces were identified and prepared in Kathmandu Valley.

China

Since the end of June, floods - triggered by heavy rains, Typhoon Nepartak and other severe weather – have affected 243 million people across 20 provinces. As of 28 July, 417 flood-related deaths had been recorded, with 162 people still missing. The China National Commission for Disaster Management and the Ministry of Civil Affairs have launched 16 Level IV national responses and deployed 17 teams across the affected areas. No international support has been requested. On 1 August, Tropical Storm Nida developed into a Category 1 typhoon. Forecast models indicate that the storm is likely to hit Hong Kong or the southern coast of Guangdong province. The HKO has issued a strong winds advisory and warned that the storm may trigger storm surges or flooding in low-lying areas.

India

Torrential monsoon rains over the past week have caused severe flooding in the states of Assam,
Bihar and West Bengal. As of 29 July, over 3 million people have been affected across the three states. Assam, with 1.7 million people affected, is the worst hit, with 310 relief camps hosting 147,000 people. While flood waters are beginning to recede, some areas of Sapaul District in Bihar remain at risk of secondary flooding due to rain water coming downstream from Nepal. Local authorities supported by the National Disaster Response Force continue to lead the response operation. No international request for assistance has been made.

Philippines

On 31 July, Tropical Storm Nida made landfall in northern Cagayan province. As of 1 August, nearly 4 million people were affected and 8,300 people displaced, with 460 people sheltering inside 11 evacuation centres. No casualties have been reported. The DSWD provided relief assistance to the displaced families.

Nepal

Since the beginning of the monsoon season around mid-June, nearly 8,600 families across 49 districts have been affected by floods or landslides. As of 28 July, floods and landslides have killed 88 people, displaced about 5,300 families and destroyed 530 houses. As the weather improves, people have started returning to their homes. Local authorities supported by the Nepal Red Cross and local organizations are responding to the immediate needs of affected communities.

Bangladesh

As of 31 July, about 1.5 million people across 18 districts have been affected by floods. Authorities confirmed 14 deaths and nearly 7,400 people are in 69 cyclone shelters. The Government allocated food and cash grants as immediate support.

Mynmar

As of 29 July, 15,000 people were displaced due to monsoon flooding in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway,
Kachin and Chin. The Relief and Resettlement Department is providing assistance to affected communities but is facing logistical challenges due to limited road access and flooded rivers in some areas.

Bhutan

Since 21 July, monsoon rains and flooding across Bhutan have affected 125 households across 18 districts. Four deaths (including one child) were confirmed by authorities. The floods damaged major road networks isolating villages and disrupting the flow of essential supplies. On 30 July, traffic along the Thimphu-Phuentsholing Highway (the country’s main supply route) was restored.

OVERVIEW

From 1 to 31 July, torrential monsoon rains caused severe flooding and landslides in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal affecting millions of people and destroying thousands of homes. Disaster management authorities are leading the local response supported by the national Red Cross and Red Crescent, volunteers and civil society organizations.

The second half of the monsoon season is expected to continue until September which may cause additional flooding for the next two months. In 2015, floods affected nearly 18 million people across South Asia and killed 880 people.

NEEDS

Food, water containers, safe drinking water, tarpaulins, sanitation facilities, personal hygenie kits, and shelter materials.

Key Figures

28.5 million population (2015 ) 51% Female 49% Male

25.2% poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines (% of population 2010)

23% of all disasters in Nepal are landslides (between 1970 and 2015)

US$732 Lower middle income GDP per capita (2015)

Overview

Nepal remains a priority country for emergency response preparedness within the Asia-Pacific region given its high risk to natural hazards. The country’s mountainous terrain poses significant logistical challenges to access and deliver relief to remote areas.

Since 2005, around 35 disaster events (floods, landslides and earthquakes) affected about 7.8 million people and caused over 10,000 deaths, mostly by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Nepal is also vulnerable to slow-onset disasters. In 2016 the Karnali region experienced drought resulting in 150,000 people requiring food assistance.

BANGLADESH

Monsoon rains have triggered flooding across 11 districts in northeastern Bangladesh, affecting at least 1.3 million people as of 16 July. NGO partners report that vast areas of Moulvibazar and Sylhet remain under water affecting agricultural livelihoods. The Government has released cash grants and distributed food to the affected districts.

PHILIPPINES

Since the outbreak of conflict in Marawi City (Lanao del Sur province) in May, an estimated 522,700 people have been displaced according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). As of 16 July, DSWD reported that 87 evacuation centres continue to host nearly 27,000 people while 438,700 people are with host families or in other temporary shelters. In Iligan City, the Protection Cluster has identified at least 16 informal evacuation camps hosting about 4,500 people. The Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster led by DSWD is scheduled to visit the sites and assess their needs.

VIET NAM

On 17 July, Tropical Storm Talas made landfall in the provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh in central Viet Nam. At least one person has died and 10 are still missing according to media sources. At least 2,700 houses were damaged. Talas has weakened into a low pressure area as it continues to move inland towards Lao PDR. The northern and central regions of Viet Nam are expected to continue to experience heavy rains with risks of flooding until around 18 July.

INDIA

Since early July, heavy rains and floods were reported across India (Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Uttarkand, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa states). In Assam State alone, state disaster management authorities reported that over 1.7 million people have been affected as of 12 July. Media sources reported that at least 150 people have died nationwide due to the floods. About 1,300 National Disaster Response Force personnel have been deployed for the relief operations along with the Indian Armed Forces. The response continues to be led by national authorities. International assistance has not been requested.

NEPAL

Since 1 June, 37 of the 75 districts in Nepal have been impacted by floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains. Solukhumbu and Palpa districts were particularly affected by the combined effects of flooding, landslides and heavy monsoon rains. To date, authorities confirmed at least 34 deaths. The Government has provided cash grants to families in Saptari District whose houses were destroyed by the floods. A rapid needs assessment is ongoing in Saptari.

MYANMAR

As of 14 July, more than 19,000 people have been temporarily displaced in the Sagaing and Magway regions due to monsoon season floods, with thousands of people affected. Four people are reported dead and over 180 schools in Sagaing are closed. The Relief and Resettlement Department (RRD) and the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) are providing food, drinking water, NFIs and hygiene kits to the displaced families. OCHA and humanitarian partners are conducting a mission to flood affected areas on 17 July.

NEPAL

Heavy rainfall across many parts of Nepal has caused severe flooding and landslides. As of 14 August, 66 people are known to have died and 35 people are missing. The Government of Nepal has reported that 27 districts have been affected with the southern Terai region most acutely impacted. Many affected areas are inaccessible, but the Ministry of Home Affairs estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have been affected. Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway, with the Government providing assistance, while Clusters have mobilized and begun delivering assistance under the coordination of the Government.

AFGHANISTAN

From January to 13 August 2017, nearly 193,000 people have been displaced by conflict in Afghanistan, up by 10,000 compared with the previous week [snapshot]. The largest caseload of displaced people – 62,000 people - live in the Northern and North-Eastern regions. Across the country, displacement has been reported in 174 of the 399 districts.

MYANMAR

Fighting between the Myanmar Military and Kachin Independence Army erupted on 10 August near Kasung village in Moegaung Township, Kachin State, displacing over 1,000 people to Namti town, according to local NGOs. There are reports that the fighting has resulted in civilian casualties. Those displaced are staying at two church sites in Namti, where they are receiving food, drinking water and other relief supplies from local churches and NGOs, as well as from state authorities, the Myanmar Red Cross Society and the UN.

BANGLADESH

Flooding has affected the eastern, southern and northern regions of Bangladesh. As of 14 August, 12 deaths have been confirmed, including six children. An estimated 586,000 people in 356 unions of 20 upazilas have been affected. The Government has opened 973 emergency flood shelters, hosting an estimated 68,500 people. The waters of 23 rivers have risen beyond the danger line and further heavy rain and an increased risk of landslides is forecast for coming days. The Government has allocated 31 million BDT and 10,630 MT of rice to flood-affected districts. A joint Humanitarian Coordination Team working group, comprising UN agencies, Government and civil society partners, is monitoring the situation and working to support and complement the Government’s efforts.

INDONESIA

On 13 August at 10:08am local time, an earthquake of 6.4 MW occurred 71 km southwest of North Bengkulu, at sea. The shake was strongly felt in North Bengkulu, South Bengkulu, and Lubuk Linggau District; and was felt to a lesser degree in Padang City, Kerinci District and in Tua Pejat, Mentawai Islands. As of 13 August, BNPB with input from BPBD (local authority for disaster management) reported no casualties or damage to buildings.

NEPAL

As of 18 August, 301,500 families had been affected and 44,683 displaced by flooding in 35 districts.
At least 9,850 houses have been destroyed and 383 schools are being used as temporary shelters. Crops worth tens of millions of dollars have been destroyed and over 500 industries have shut down. Search and rescue operations have completed, and the Government and Cluster partners are providing assistance including food,
NFIs, hygiene kits, WASH supplies and education materials. A total of US$11.3 million has been committed to the flood response.

BANGLADESH

As of 20 August, 5.7 million people in 27 districts have been affected by floods with 300,000 people in emergency shelters, and 98 people known to have died. Access to affected areas is restricted with roads and bridges damaged. The Government allocated US$820,000 as well as rice and dry food parcels, and 1,945 local medical teams have deployed to prevent outbreaks of disease. Clusters are meeting with their national counterparts to identify gaps that could be supported by the international community.

INDIA

Flooding in Assam and neighbouring north-eastern states has affected over one million people. As of 20 August, at least 303 people in Assam, Bihar and West Bengal have died. In Assam, 304 relief camps have been set up where 138,648 people have taken shelter. In Bihar, 1,289 relief camps are operational in 17 districts.
With access restricted, rescue operations are ongoing using helicopters. The Prime Minister announced INR 20 billion for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and flood mitigation.

SRI LANKA

As of 20 August, more than 1.2 million people across 19 out of 25 districts remain affected by drought. Northern, North-Central and Eastern Provinces are reporting low levels of water for agricultural, drinking and household use. The failure of two harvests in 2017 has raised concerns for the food security and livelihoods of affected communities. The Government of Sri Lanka is distributing drinking water and is planning to provide relief packs.

PHILIPPINES

Batanes province has been placed under storm warning with 61-120 km/h winds predicted as a result of Tropical Storm Hato which, as of 21 August, was located 330 kilometers east of the province. TS Hato is moving north-west and is expected to move out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility by 22 August, after which it is anticipated to make landfall in China. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) convened a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting to ensure response preparedness measures are in place.
Local communities have been warned of possible flash floods and landslides.

MYANMAR

As of 16 August, over 74,000 people remained temporarily displaced in 49 evacuation sites in Sagaing, and Ayeyarwady regions, and in Kachin and Mon states in Myanmar due to seasonal floods. The cumulative number of people who have been temporarily displaced/evacuated between 1 July and 16 August is over 214,000, although most have since returned to their homes. In Sagaing Region, six townships are experiencing floods for a second time this monsoon season, while three townships in Kachin are newly affected by floods.

Overview

41 million people affected in three countries

As a result of torrential monsoon rains, almost 41 million people have been affected by flooding and landslides in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. At least 900 people are known to have died. Tens of thousands of houses, as well as schools and hospitals, have been destroyed leaving people displaced and in urgent need of life-saving support. There is the possibility that the situation could deteriorate further as rains continue in some flood-affected areas and flood waters move south.

The governments in all three countries are leading the response with support from in-country humanitarian agencies, national Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, private sector and militaries. However, many areas remain inaccessible due to damage to roads, bridges, railways and airports.

BANGLADESH

As of 27 August, an estimated 5,200 people were reported to have crossed the border into Cox’s Bazar, since 24 August, following violence in Myanmar. Thousands more are believed to be gathered on the border, and have been appealing to the Bangladesh authorities to allow them to enter. The Border Guards Bangladesh returned some people and have cordoned some groups in areas inside the Bangladesh border. Other new arrivals reportedly have reached established makeshift settlements, camps or are staying with relatives. Communities are providing food and water to those confined at the border, and agencies are providing emergency food and health services to new arrivals.
There is an urgent need for shelter, as well as food, water and healthcare.

Monsoon floods are affecting 32 districts in the northern, north eastern and central parts of the country, affecting more than eight million people. Almost 700,000 houses are damaged or destroyed, and 106,000 people are in 335 emergency shelters. As of 27 August, 140 people are known to have died. There are concerns of outbreaks of waterborne and communicable diseases, and urgent needs for clean water, health services and food. With further heavy rain expected, there are fears of further flooding.

INDIA

As of 24 August, 32.1 million people have been affected by flooding across Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. More than 600 people are known to have died. Those affected by the floods have been evacuated to safer places by the army, police and navy with boats and helicopters. Almost 2,000 relief camps have been established where authorities are providing food and shelter.

MYANMAR

On 25 August, fighters associated with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked police posts and military checkpoints in Maungdaw, Rathedaung and Buthidaung townships in Rakhine State. Fighting continued on 26 and 27 August. The State Counsellor’s Office Information Committee reports 89 people were killed and confirmed that a number of houses in Maungdaw and Rathedaung have burned down. An unconfirmed number of ethnic-Rakhine, Muslim and other civilians/groups fled areas affected by fighting. The UN and INGOs relocated some staff from Maungdaw due to the security situation.

NEPAL

As a result of torrential monsoon rains, 35 of Nepal’s 75 districts have experienced severe flooding, affecting 1.7 million people. Almost 65,000 houses are destroyed, 460,000 people displaced and an estimated 19,000 people are in informal displacement sites. On 25 August, the Humanitarian Country Team launched Joint Response Plan, seeking US$41.4 million to provide immediate humanitarian assistance including health, WASH, food security, nutrition, shelter, livelihood, protection, education and early recovery support for the coming six months.

PHILIPPINES & CHINA

On 24 August, Tropical Storm Pakhar made landfall bringing high winds and heavy rain. 929 families were affected in Regions I, II, III and CAR, with 123 families assisted in 17 evacuation centres. The Government distributed family food packs and non-food items. TS Pakhar made landfall in China on 27 August. bringing high winds and rain to Hong Kong and Macau just days after one of the strongest typhoons on record, Hato, caused serious flooding and damage in the same areas.

OVERVIEW

• 40m people affected in three countries (millions)

Since the beginning of August severe monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding across South Asia, affecting 40 million people* in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. More than 1,200 people are known to have died. The floods have damaged and destroyed homes, schools, health facilities and many people are currently living in relief camps and temporary shelters. People are in urgent need of food, clean water and sanitation, and shelter. There is also an urgent need for health services to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

The floods have destroyed crops, killed livestock and washed away people’s means of making an income. This will have an impact on communities’ immediate food security, and may also exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities as people are left without possessions or the means to make a living. With monsoon rains predicted to continue across the region until October, there is the possibility that the situation will deteriorate further and humanitarian needs will continue to increase. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations are on the ground working to support the Government-led response to the floods.

* The estimated number of people affected has dropped slightly since the last update due to the consolidation of figures from flood-affected areas in India.

BANGLADESH

As of 3 September, an estimated 87,000 people have reportedly crossed from Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar, following violence in Rakhine state. An estimated 14,000 people are believed to have crossed in the preceding 24 hours alone. Existing makeshift settlements and camps for registered refugees are overcrowded, with schools, community centres, religious buildings and local families hosting new arrivals. New clusters of settlements have also been set up and continue to expand. New arrivals seem to be moving between locations once crossing the border, in search of shelter and services. There is an immediate need for land allocation for shelters, emergency shelter kits, WASH facilities, food, and health services including psychosocial support.1 As of 3 September, the Government reports that floods in 32 districts have affected more than eight million people. As water moves down toward the Bay of Bengal, several low-lying central areas have become inundated. An estimated 101,700 houses are reported to have been destroyed and 620,000 are believed to have been damaged by the floods, while 145 people are known to have died. As of 3 September, 172 shelters in flood-affected areas are sheltering more than 46,000 people. On 1 September 2017, the HCTT launched an Emergency Response Plan seeking US$ 12 million to complement the Government response.

INDIA

An estimated 30 million people have been affected by flooding since August. At the height of the emergency, 1.1 million people were hosted in 3,271 camps. Waters are now receding in many areas and people have begun to return to their homes, however, there has been extensive damage to vital infrastructure as well as agricultural land and livestock, with likely impacts on food security and livelihoods.

MYANMAR

Following a series of attacks on police and military posts in Rakhine on 25 August by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and subsequent security operations by the military, mass internal displacement has been reported as well as large numbers of people fleeing to Bangladesh. Given the prevailing security situation and the lack of humanitarian access to most of the affected areas, it is not possible for the UN and partners to confirm displacement figures or to independently verify allegations of widespread human rights violations. Many ongoing humanitarian activities across Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted. The UN and humanitarian partners continue to offer support to meet the needs of all affected communities and are in close contact with authorities in an effort to resume all critical humanitarian operations as soon as possible.

NEPAL

1.7 million people have been affected by flooding, with 235,400 houses damaged or destroyed. The majority of those displaced have now returned to their communities, but not all have been able to return to their homes and are living in make-shift shelters or with host families. Affected communities require shelter, WASH facilities and health support to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Communities also require assistance to re-start income generating activities, especially families who are reliant on agriculture and whose crops and equipment have been destroyed.

PAKISTAN

As of 1 September, at least 15 people, including four children, have reportedly died in flooding in Karachi, following heavy rainfall. Further rainfall is predicted over Punjab, Kashmir, and Khyper Pakhtunkhwa.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

In August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding across half of the country's 77 districts. In total 1.7 million people were impacted with 460,000 people displaced. Large scale Government-led search and rescue operations in August helped to avert major loss of life. Almost US$23 million was provided by external actors including US$4.8 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Such support helped to address immediate needs and promote recovery. The Terai, along Nepal’s southern border with India, was worst affected and the floods exacerbated the region’s pre-crisis vulnerabilities. The Government of Nepal assesses that economic damage and losses total nearly US$585 million with recovery needs at US$705 million.

CURRENT SITUATION

Almost all displaced persons have now returned to their homes although small pockets of displacement persist in provinces two and five where some flood affected families are still residing in temporary settlements. In late 2017 the Government of Nepal, through the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), finalised a housing reconstruction programme which will target those households whose dwellings were partially damaged (150,00 houses) or destroyed (41,000 houses). The majority of households eligible for the NRA’s grant are yet to have received support. Recovery gaps also remain in the health, education and sanitation sectors with the region’s agricultural sector also facing recovery challenges. Overall, the humanitarian situation across the Terai is now improving although in some sectors, such as food security, it remains below the pre-flood context. Looking forward, the Government of Nepal through its ‘Post Flood Recovery Needs Assessment’ released in late 2017 has made a commitment to the promotion of resilient recovery across the Terai in order that individuals, households, communities and local economies are better able to withstand the impact of future disaster events

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;