New York, NY (BBN)- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is working to curb the risk of disease outbreaks and help millions affected by deadly floods in India and Nepal.

The flooding began last month when heavy monsoon rains caused a dam to break, breaching the eastern embankment of the Kosi River, which straddles the border between the two countries.

The Sunsari district of Nepal and 16 districts in India’s Bihar state, one of the country’s poorest, have been the areas hit hardest. The Kosi River appears to have altered its course, flooding areas of Bihar not prone to inundation and damaging nearly a quarter million houses.

Working with the Indian and Nepali governments, the WHO has already provided emergency medical supplies and equipment for almost 200,000 people, a UN press statement said on Saturday.

It is also keeping an eye on the possibility of the spread of communicable diseases, supporting child immunization campaigns and ensuring that there is safe drinking water.

In India, 3.4 million people have been affected in close to 2,000 villages, and 285 relief camps and 249 health centers have been set up for the uprooted.

BBN/SI/SI/AD-07September08-3:07 AM