AT least 1,200 people have died and more than 42 million are affected by the worst floods the South Asian nations of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have seen since 1988, according to charities dealing with the ongoing disaster.
One organisation last night questioned the lack of media coverage as the world prefers to focus on the impact on Hurricane Harvey on the United States, which has left 42 dead and displaced tens of thousands.
Jagat Patnaik, Asia Regional Head at ActionAid International, who is based in New Dehli, described the floods in south Asia as “devastating” saying: “Many more people are affected in South Asia than in Houston. So why doesn’t the news follow the numbers?”
Patnaik added: “In media terms, perhaps the perception of the monsoon floods is that they are just “a little bit worse” than normal – hence, not as shocking.”
US President Donald Trump has sent politicians a $7.9 billion (£6.1 billion) request for an initial down payment for Harvey relief and recovery efforts. The request, expected to be swiftly approved by Congress, would add $7.4 billion (£5.7 billion) to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid coffers and $450 million (£347 million) to finance disaster loans for small businesses.
Meanwhile cash-strapped charities working in south Asia have launched desperate appeals for donations to help some of the world’s poorest people.
Ashvin Dayal, head of Oxfam in South Asia, said: “Across the region people are struggling to cope with what is for many the worst flooding in living memory. Millions of the very poorest have lost their homes, their possessions and their livelihoods. Thanks to good preparation we have responded quickly and saved lives but people desperately need our help to get back on their feet again. We are calling on the British public to give whatever they can to help.”
Donate to the Oxfam appeal by logging on to www.oxfam.org.uk, or calling the appeal hotline on 0870 333 2500.
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