KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – In Nepal, the United Nations has issued an appeal for $49.6 million to fund a four-month emergency response to the floods that occurred in August. The appeal aims to support 84,270 people, with nearly 40% being children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities within six districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha and Tanahu. Key relief efforts prioritize shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter support. The devastating floods struck on Aug. 26, causing widespread destruction along major river corridors and impacting numerous communities.
A collapse of a glacier triggered a surge of water, mud, and debris flowing through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and neighboring areas. As of Sept. 6, the death toll exceeded 1,300, with nearly 5,000 individuals still reported missing as rescue teams persist in their operations across the affected districts. Search crews have scoured damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels in search of survivors and victims. Rescue teams have also reached remote communities after roads and bridges were damaged or destroyed. Several survivors have been rescued days after the disaster, while emergency efforts continue throughout the region.
The floods resulted in the destruction of homes, schools, roads, bridges, and vital local infrastructure such as power and water systems. Damage to transport links has rendered some mountain communities difficult to access. The Government of Nepal is leading the national relief operations across the affected areas, with humanitarian partners providing support through emergency supplies and services. Their efforts include establishing temporary shelters, offering medical care, distributing food, and treating water. Additionally, teams are working to restore electricity and assist rural households that have lost livestock or other sources of income due to the floods.
Emergency Funding Focuses on Essential Services
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026. Food security receives approximately $7.94 million of the total, while water and sanitation needs are estimated at around $7.9 million. Healthcare requirements are roughly $7.6 million, with logistics and emergency telecommunications accounting for about $7.33 million. Shelter needs are projected at approximately $7.1 million. These sectors constitute the majority of the requested funds, enabling relief teams to address urgent needs across flood-affected communities.
Access remains a significant challenge in northern Nepal, especially in upper Rasuwa, where damaged roads and bridges have slowed aid delivery and forced some teams to travel on foot. Humanitarian assessments have identified 3,844 displaced individuals living in 34 sites across four areas and documented 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced households. These families require urgent support for shelter, food, drinking water, and sanitation. Preparations for cold weather have also become part of the ongoing response as aid operations persist.
Supplies Moving to the Most Affected Regions
UNICEF received an emergency shipment of 84 metric tonnes in Kathmandu on Sept. 4, intended for distribution among impacted communities. The cargo included water tanks, hygiene kits, water treatment supplies, diarrhea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and educational materials. Trucks are now transporting these items toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. The supplies are critical for ensuring access to safe water, health services, disease prevention, and education, with children and isolated families remaining a primary focus of humanitarian efforts.
The appeal also facilitates direct cash assistance where local markets can meet the needs of affected households. Other aid measures include temporary shelter materials, portable solar-powered equipment, and support for damaged water infrastructure. Emergency health services are providing urgent treatment, nutrition support, and other essential care. Protection initiatives aim to assist children separated from relatives during the floods. Food aid and livestock support are integral components of the broader relief strategy. The funding request is designed to sustain critical services as Nepal continues its rescue, relief, and early recovery initiatives.