The New Nation - Internet Edition

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is starting its fifth round of emergency food distributions in 26 flood-affected districts of Bangladesh, targeting more than 1.4 million people worst-hit by the disaster. this follows four earlier distributions to more than 2.1 million people, says a press release.

While announcing the distribution plan of food assistance, Douglas Broderick, WFP Country Representative Bangladesh said, "Due to the recent floods thousands of poor families lost their incomes and livelihoods, the prolonged affect of the flood has reduced food security in many part of the country. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) enabled us to meet food need of people living in communities affected by floods."

WFP will distribute over 8,935 metric tons of rice following a contribution of US$4 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to support emergency food assistance. Donors to WFP's relief and recovery operation in Bangladesh include the Australia (US$1.3 million), German (US$ 680,000), Canada (US$24,000), Spain(US$640,000), and the CERF (US$4 million).

"WFP has been vigilant about the market situation and price of commodities which affects the food security and livelihood of the poor people especially during the lean season for employment including Monga," said Broderick.