KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – As part of its emergency efforts, the United Nations is requesting $49.6 million to support a four-month response to the floods that impacted Nepal in August. The appeal aims to assist 84,270 people, including nearly 40% children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Immediate priorities include providing shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter aid. These floods, which struck on Aug. 26, caused widespread destruction along major river corridors, severely impacting local communities.
Earlier, a glacial collapse triggered a surge of water, mud, and debris flowing through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and adjacent areas. By Sept. 6, the death toll exceeded 1,300, with nearly 5,000 people still missing as rescue operations persisted across the affected regions. Search crews scoured damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels for survivors and victims alike. Rescue teams also reached isolated communities after roads and bridges were compromised. In the days following the disaster, some survivors emerged, while emergency efforts continued to operate in the region.
The flooding resulted in the destruction of homes, schools, roads, bridges, as well as local power and water infrastructure. Damage to transport links has made access difficult for some mountain communities. The Government of Nepal is leading the national relief operations across the affected districts, with humanitarian partners supporting through emergency supplies and services. Their work involves setting up temporary shelters, providing medical care, food aid, and water treatment. Additionally, teams are assisting in restoring electricity and supporting rural households that have lost livestock or other income sources.
Fundraising Effort Targets Core Services
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026. Approximately $7.94 million of this is allocated for food security. Water and sanitation needs are estimated at about $7.9 million, while healthcare requirements total around $7.6 million. Logistics and emergency telecommunications account for roughly $7.33 million, with shelter needs requiring about $7.1 million. Collectively, these sectors comprise the majority of the requested funds, as relief agencies prioritize addressing urgent needs in flood-affected communities.
Northern Nepal, especially upper Rasuwa, continues to face significant access challenges, with damaged roads and bridges impeding aid delivery. Some teams are forced to travel on foot due to infrastructure failures. Humanitarian assessments have identified 3,844 displaced individuals across 34 sites in four areas, along with 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced households. These families require shelter, food, potable water, and sanitation support. Preparing for colder weather has become an integral part of ongoing response efforts as aid activities progress.
Relief Supplies Are Reaching the Most Affected Regions
UNICEF received an 84 metric tonne shipment of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on Sept. 4, intended for distribution in affected areas. This consignment included water tanks, hygiene kits, and water treatment materials, as well as diarrhoea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and educational supplies. Trucks have since begun transporting these resources to Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. The supplies are vital for ensuring access to safe water, healthcare, disease prevention, and education. Children and families living in remote areas remain a top priority for humanitarian assistance.
The appeal also provides for direct cash transfers in locations where local markets are functional enough to support affected families. Additional measures include temporary shelter materials, portable solar power units, and support to repair damaged water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent medical care, nutrition, and related needs. Protection efforts focus on assisting children separated from their families during the floods. Food and livestock support are integrated into the broader relief strategy. The funding request is structured to maintain essential services while Nepal continues rescue, relief, and early recovery operations.