WFP calls for urgent aid to Nepal

The World Food Programme’s Executive Director (WFP) Ertharin Cousin urges to international community for urgent assistance to survivors of the earthquake in Nepal last week.

During her three day visit, Cousin visited the Gorkha district and witnessed first-hand the extent of the earthquake’s destruction. She saw first-hand the achievements, and challenges, of the complex relief operation.

"We’ve achieved a lot already but we must do much more. That’s why we’re bringing in more trucks and helicopters and working together with more partners to get help where it’s needed – not just food, but shelter too. An operation of this scope and complexity requires more financial support to see this through," Cousin said.

Her visit follows an urgent appeal for US$116.5 million to provide food for 1.4 million people over the next three months. WFP, which is funded entirely by contributions from governments, companies and individuals, needs an additional US$34 million to provide common logistics and telecommunications services for the humanitarian community.

She said that organization and its partners are committed to working more efficiently and expeditiously, especially before the monsoon seasons starts. WFP has, so far, dispatched enough food for 250,000 people in some of the hardest-hit areas and more assistance is expected in the coming days.

"The coming monsoon season means that the clock is ticking. We must operate efficiently and expeditiously to help people who’ve lost everything. We can see that food isn’t the only need right now. People also need immediate shelter. That’s why we’re supporting our partners by also bringing in shelter items where we can," she said.