The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Nepal has started transporting emergency food assistance in the far and mid-western regions affected by this winter’s drought.

A press release issued by the WFP Nepal said, the emergency food assistance will support over 225,000 people in the two regions living in drought-affected areas through an accelerated Food-for-Work programme.

“The 225,000 beneficiaries, including over 40,000 direct participants, will earn a 2-month ration of rice and fortified wheat flour through participation in the programme’s quick impact projects,” the statement said adding, “Dependent on donor funding, this emergency operation is currently funded at a level of 28%.”

“Food insecurity is already a fact of life in these districts, and we are very concerned that the effects of the drought will exacerbate what is already a precarious situation,” the statement quoted Richard Ragan, the County Director for the WFP in Nepal as saying.

The Village Development Committee’s (VDCs) most seriously affected by the drought are in the district of Bajura in far-western Nepal, as well as nine districts in mid-western Nepal: Jumla, Humla, Mugu, Dolpa, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Rukum and Rolpa.