Nepal flood dead 'tops 400'

Over a quarter of a million people have been badly affected by the floods caused by torrential monsoon rain in 47 of Nepal's 75 districts, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent says.

The risk of flooding is increasing as the rains spread westwards across the country and snow and melting glaciers swell rivers further.

In neighbouring Bangladesh and eastern India, tens of thousands of people have also been severely affected by heavy flooding in recent months.

But other parts of South Asia are still suffering from extreme heat and drought.

Uphill struggle

The Red Cross is appealing for $1.6 million to help provide food, shelter, blankets, clothing and water purification tablets to flood victims in Nepal.

Getting to the victims is, however, a difficult task because it is the remote hilly regions that are worst affected by the floods.

Rains have cut off some roads leaving villages accessible only by helicopter.

And junior civil aviation minister Sarvandhan Rai told AP news agency that "We have not been able to provide enough helicopters to transport relief materials."

Disease threat

The rising flood water is increasing the risk of water borne diseases such as typhoid and dysentery.

"There is also the ever-present threat of mosquitoes breeding on stagnant floodwaters and the spread of malaria and encephalitis," warns the Red Cross.

Floods and landslides are common throughout the region during the monsoon season.