According to the National Disaster Management Authority, flooding in September has affected some 4.5 million people. As of 25th of September, some 282,526 persons lived in relief camps. An IPC classification dated 27 September 2012 has concluded seven flood affected districts are in phase 3 (crisis) or 4 (emergency). A Multi Cluster Initial Rapid Assessment is underway, preliminary findings suggest that a large number of households lost their food stock; many markets have been badly affected with no food stock available, and access to markets severely limited due to flood waters.
Even though prices of key cereals have remained stable in recent months they are significantly higher than a year ago, wheat by about 8 per cent and rice by about 11 per cent. There is an overall continued trend of rise in fuel prices which are 25 per cent higher than a year ago, increasing transportation costs and thus putting pressure on food prices. In addition, the food prices are also likely to go up further in the context of rising food prices internationally in recent months.
October 2012
