Press Release
10 August 2007
UK supporting South Asia during devastating monsoon flooding
The UK Government is committed to supporting the people affected by the
monsoon floods in South Asia, Shahid Malik, Minister for International
Development, confirmed today.
The Department for International Development (DFID) has already provided £1.9
million in funding for the most vulnerable people in Bangladesh, and is
supporting longer-term activities to help manage the impact of disasters in
India and direct emergency relief in Nepal.
Shahid Malik said:
“I am concerned about the overwhelming impact of this year’s monsoons in South
Asia that have taken the lives of more than 1,500 people and made more than 25
million homeless in recent weeks.
“The UK Government, through DFID, is helping out with aid and support to some of
the most vulnerable people, and is working closely with aid agencies on the
ground and governments in the affected areas. Our funding is helping to provide
food and medicine and we are supporting others in the delivery of emergency
supplies.
“The UK has a strong relationship with the whole region, providing more than
£500 million in aid every year. With the threat of further rains and the risk of
disease more people could be affected. The UK stands ready to help those in
need.”
DFID plays a vital role in South Asia, not just in terms of aid, but providing
specialist advice and support on how countries can cope with the impact of
natural disasters. Following the tsunami of 2004 and the earthquake in 2005,
DFID provided more than £400 million in emergency support and for longer term
reconstruction. DFID also provided £2 million to help people in Pakistan
affected by the recent cyclone and heavy rains.
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Notes to editors
- The DFID Bangladesh office has committed £1.9 million to help the most vulnerable people affected by the monsoons. £1 million will provide food and basic medicines from the
Chars Livelihood Programme; £900,000 has been given to the
- The DFID office in India is monitoring the developing situation closely. DFID has invested a total of £2.1 million in better disaster preparedness in India, including support to to the UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme, a
- The DFID Nepal office is in close contact with the government and aid agencies. The DFID-funded Community Support Programme has provided food and relief to around 1,200 families. Other projects that DFID funds, including
- Images of the impact of the monsoon in the region and how DFID support is working are available from the DFID press office. Contact the press office on 020 7023 0600, or e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk.
