Asia flooding brings threat of epidemics

PATNA, India, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The devastating floods in South Asia, which have affected some 30 million people in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, now threaten a huge health crisis.

U.N. agencies have warned of impending outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever and cholera from contaminated and stagnant water if help doesn’t reach the victims.

The floods, triggered by torrential rains of nearly three weeks, have killed hundreds, and marooned and displaced millions who are running out of food and other supplies.

A CNN report said the monsoons this year have been especially severe, making it difficult for rescue and relief workers to reach victims.

The hardest areas are Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh states in India and neighboring areas in Bangladesh and Nepal.

A U.N. Children’s Fund official said the situation is particularly hard on the poor in these regions, who already endure poor sanitation, the report said.