The World Food Program warns that ongoing flooding in Bangladesh could create what it calls a "major humanitarian crisis."
U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard said Monday in New York that the W.F.P. is especially concerned about the high tide in the Bay of Bengal, expected next month. Mr. Eckhard said the tide would significantly limit the outflow of flood water into thesea.
He said the World Food Program, which is the U.N. food relief agency, is preparing to distribute some 3,000 tons of rice in the South Asian country -- two thirds of which is under water, according to Bangladeshi officials.
The monsoon-driven flooding has left thousands of people homeless in Bangladesh. It has also killed at least 285 people in Bangladesh, at least 635 people in India and more than 85 people in Nepal.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.