Due to heavy monsoonal rains, the Kosi River in southern Nepal has breached its embankment and flooded six districts in Bihar state in India on 18 August 2008 causing loss of life, significant loss of livelihoods, loss of property, and displacement.
As of 1 September, the damage details in the state of Bihar are (central government figures) as follows:
The total displaced population in camps and in need of emergency food aid is approximately 300,000. This need is partially met by the Government of India, but gaps remain.
Moreover the affected population has no access to micronutrients. Before the floods, micronutrient deficiencies were already at a high level. Prevalence of anaemia in Bihar state is ranked as the second highest in the country. More than 78 percent of children, 67 percent of women and 34 percent of men are anaemic. Long stays in camps without adequate intake of micronutrients will make their condition worse.
To meet the needs of children below 2 years, WFP India has recently developed a ready to use commodity suitable for infants and very young children. It is a lipidIR-EMOP 10775 – Bihar Floods, India 2 based paste, calorie and micronutrient rich and does not require cooking or addition of water. Considering that safe drinking water is a serious issue in the flood-affected Bihar, the ready to use food for children (RUFC) is an ideal choice.
In response to an offer made by the Executive Director, the Government of India has indicated that it would welcome WFP’s assistance.
A total of 106,666 displaced people in camps in two of the worst affected districts will be supported with WFP rations. Of these, 100,000 persons, including children above 2 years, women and men will receive fortified biscuits. 6,666 children between the ages of 6-24 months will receive RUFC for a period of one month. Both commodities are available and will be produced locally.
