Inidan - Nepal flood; millions displaced.

[Mithie]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapc...ods/index.html

I think that with the whole Russian-Georgian conflict, we're passing over a lot of potentially valuable discussion that's getting overshadowed. Don't get me wrong - the Russian-Georgian conflict is THE premier political event right now, but we can't forget that there are other things going on this world.

Anyway, back on topic, I'll give a light summary:

Massive flooding in Bihar and parts of Nepal; millions are being evacuated but about 200,000 are still trapped in the flooding mire. The biggest fear right now is that those trapped might begin to drink contaminated water as thirst and hunger sets in, and create an epidemic.

Politically, this is a very good test of the new Nepalese government, and how they deal with this tragic disaster will be a good litmus test of their unity and humanitarian priorities.

[attilavolciak07]

Past government had trouble and it really cost the populace, hopefully the new government is good.

[Mithie]

Update from BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7580587.stm

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapc.../india.floods/

Al-Jazeera http://english.aljazeera.net/news/as...531928157.html

Bulletin summary for the tl;dr crowd:

- Flood and rain make it difficult to reach the survivors.
- Unicef citing this as the worst flood in the region in the past 50 years, which is pretty impressive, considering the region has been flooded quite often in the past.
- Different media sources cite various numbers for confirmed deaths; I've read anywhere between 55 ~ 220.
- These numbers seem to be consistent across all sources: 1.4 million people are being displaced, 700,000 of which are in Nepal, out of 2.8 million people inhabiting the region.
- Water level rising every minute.
- Government cites difficulty in reaching the bulk of those affected due to rained in roads and collapsing highways.

And now, foreign response thus far to the catastrophy:

- U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford announced contributions of $100,000 to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Catholic Relief Services.
- EU pledged fast response teams to India with total material goods totalling 62 million euroes in value. (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/..._10090331.html)
- Britain pledges additional 60 million euroes in relief fund.

[Chaigidel]

that place isnt going to get any better

[Kiljan Arslan]

that place isnt going to get any better

I doubt it will with maoist around (ing hate Maoists)

[attilavolciak07]

Britain pledges additional 60 million euroes in relief fund.

U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford announced contributions of $100,000

Did you mistake the number or does the US not have any money?

[Zodiac]

I'm going to go with Attilavolciak07...

[Mithie]

Did you mistake the number or does the US not have any money?

Nope! I did not mistake the number. Check the article.

My CNN Link: "U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford announced contributions of $100,000 to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Catholic Relief Services."

Also to confirm is hindustantimes.

Excuse the long link

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryP...39;s+flood-hit

Eh - at least the US contributed. It's the thought that counts, really - considering India is not exactly a political ally...

[Zodiac]

Well if the USA has no money then by comparison the EU has loads of it. 60 million Euros is a lot you know!!!

Surely then India will get better!!!

[Mithie]

Well if the USA has no money then by comparison the EU has loads of it. 60 million Euros is a lot you know!!!

Surely then India will get better!!!

Pounds, actually. Stirling. GPB. 60 million pounds. (slightly less than 60 mil EUR, but still a lot ).

[Zodiac]

Pounds, actually. Stirling. GPB. 60 million pounds.

Whatever, It's still a lot of money you know.

[Mithie]

I doubt it will with maoist around (ing hate Maoists)

Not too bad so far.

Whatever, It's still a lot of money you know.

Yep!

[Kiljan Arslan]

Yeah till there starts to be opposition.

[Zodiac]

Wow, I'm impressed that this thread didn't explode into something extremely violent like most Mudpit Threads.

[Da Skinna]

My uncle left Kathmandu only weeks ago.... I hope the best for their people.