International aid agency CARE Australia has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of $2 million assistance to support the response to devastating floods in Nepal.

More than 1,200 people have died across India, Bangladesh and Nepal, and more than 40 million people have been affected by the particularly severe monsoon floods.

The Australian Government will provide $2 million to the international relief effort, including $1 million through its humanitarian partnership with Australian non-government organisations and $1 million through the World Food Program.

CARE Australia’s Emergency Response Manager, Stefan Knollmayer, said Australia’s support was urgently needed.

“This is the worst flooding to strike South Asia in decades,” Mr Knollmayer said.

“Support from countries like Australia is essential to ensure we get help to desperate families who have lost everything. These new funds will help aid workers in Nepal deliver emergency shelter, food, clean water and healthcare for those who have been affected by this disaster.”

Mr Knollmayer said the scale of the crisis, not just in Nepal but across the region, was catastrophic.

“Homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed. And millions of people have been forced from their homes. There are often floods in this region but these are the worst we’ve seen in quite some time. CARE’s emergency teams are working around the clock to get relief to those who need it.”

Mr Knollmayer warned it would take many months, if not years, for communities to recover.

“Much of the flooding has occurred in agricultural areas, damaging thousands of hectares of crops, and raising fears for the long term food security of millions of people across the region.”

“Many farmers will have lost their source of income so the situation could become even more dire in the weeks ahead.”

CARE has launched emergency responses in all three countries and is providing food, clean drinking water, hygiene items and other essential household supplies.

Donations to support CARE’s emergency response can be made at care.org.au/floods or by calling 1800 020 046.

-ENDS-

For interviews please contact Stephanie Juleff on 0412 449 691 or stephanie.juleff@care.org.au