MCC provides aid to flood survivors in Bangladesh and Nepal 08/14/2007

AKRON, Pa. – Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is providing aid to tens of thousands of people in Bangladesh and Nepal who have been affected by widespread flooding.

In Bangladesh, MCC is providing a 10-day supply of food, including lentils, rice and oil, to about 60,000 people. Nine Bangladeshi partner organizations are distributing the food in three flooded districts — Sirajganj, Bogra and Nilphamari.

The food, valued at $100,000 U.S., or $105,000 Cdn., is MCC’s initial emergency response to the floods. Staff members in Bangladesh continue to assess the situation and plan for longer-term projects.

In Nepal, MCC is providing about $21,000 U.S., or $22,000 Cdn., to the Nepal Christian Relief Services to assist about 1,650 people who have fled the flooding in the country's southern plains region. The project will provide food, clothing, blankets, soap, mosquito nets and other necessities. In India, MCC is assessing needs and consulting with partner agencies.

Flooding is a seasonal problem in the river delta shared by Bangladesh, eastern India and southern Nepal. This year's floods are affecting millions of people in the region, destroying homes, spreading waterborne diseases and claiming hundreds of lives.

"Bangladesh is no stranger to floods," wrote Jerry Shank, an MCC representative in Bangladesh, in a recent e-mail. "Yet, when another one arrives, the cost in human suffering is great and can quickly become life threatening for the millions living on the edge."

Financial contributions for MCC's response may be made at any MCC office or online at mcc.org/donate. They should be designated "South Asia Flood Response."

Tim Shenk is a writer for Mennonite Central Committee.

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Photo available: The streets of Sirajganj, a town in northwestern Bangladesh, were inundated by several feet of water from the nearby Jamuna river. Flooding is affecting millions of people in South Asia. (MCC photo)

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