Kathmandu, Aug. 30: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released 150,000 US Dollars from the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to support urgent health and other needs of the communities impacted by the devastating flash floods. The WHO has described the Bhotekoshi flash floods as one of the worst tragedies in the country in recent times.
“The emergency funds will support immediate response priorities. WHO is committed to supporting Nepal through the response and recovery efforts,” according to a press statement released today by the UN agency.
Earlier, within hours of the flash floods on 26 August, the WHO mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, including an Interagency Emergency Health Kit that can cater to the health needs of nearly 10 000 people for 3 months, along with multipurpose tents.
The WHO further mobilized surgical masks and gloves, hand sanitizers and other medical supplies for the affected areas. The statement also says that the WHO is working closely with the Government of Nepal and partners to coordinate the health response, strengthen disease surveillance, maintain essential health services and identify and address emerging health risks.
