The head of European Commission for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) Bangladesh mission on Friday visited the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) distribution programme of relief food assistance among the rodent-affected poor people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), says a press release. Head of ECHO mission David Hill visited the WFP's food distribution sites in the hilly areas. Several thousands of families in CHT are struggling to feed themselves after the areas were overrun by millions of rats -- a phenomenon known locally as a rat flood. The rat flood, caused by seasonal flowering of bamboo, has destroyed the crops and livelihood of the people. WFP has been assisting 25,680 households at 31 most affected unions under seven upazilas of Rangamati and Bandarban districts since May this year with the aim at meeting their immediate food needs. David Hill said, "WFP food distribution to people affected by rodent crisis has been critical in supporting thousands of poor tribal families who would not have able to feed themselves in these months following the loss of their crops.' "We are particularly glad to see that WFP has responded quickly to feed these vulnerable poor families who are in need of food. WFP assistance is helping affected people of CHT to meet their nutritional needs while protecting their livelihood. We are happy to extend our support to WFP,' he added. The second round of food distribution started on July 7. Each family receives 50kg rice, four litres of vegetable oil and four kilograms of high-energy biscuits enriched with micro-nutrients. WFP food assistance is being distributed in collaboration with the government officials, Unicef, local NGOs, traditional leaders and community representatives. WFP has been implementing food aid programmes in CHT since 1998.