KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations along with humanitarian partners are appealing for $49.6 million to address the needs caused by flooding in Nepal. The four-month emergency plan aims to assist 84,270 individuals affected by the disaster on August 26, which includes 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts. Almost 40% of those targeted are children. The initiative primarily concentrates on Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu, while Nepalese authorities continue ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the affected zones.
The catastrophe was triggered by a glacial collapse that led to a powerful surge of water, mud, and debris, inundating communities along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and neighboring regions. As of September 6, over 1,300 people had lost their lives nationwide, with nearly 5,000 still missing as rescue operations persist. Search teams have also explored hydropower tunnels and settlements buried under mud, and some survivors have been recovered days after the floods hit.
Infrastructure including roads, bridges, homes, schools, power networks, and local water systems suffered extensive damage. Certain mountain communities remain difficult to access due to destroyed or blocked transport links, as highlighted by transport. The emergency appeal supports Nepal’s government-led response to these challenges, covering shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and protection services. Additionally, aid efforts aim to restore electricity access and support rural livelihoods. Preparing for winter is also incorporated into this four-month humanitarian plan.
Focus on vital services in relief efforts
The appeal outlines direct cash aid where local markets remain functional for affected families. Relief organizations will also provide cold-weather shelter materials and portable solar devices. Support for water includes repairs, purification systems, and hygiene supplies. Health provisions encompass emergency care and nutritional support. Protection services involve assistance for children separated from their families. The plan also includes food aid and support for surviving livestock, addressing immediate needs across the affected communities.
Access remains a significant obstacle in northern Nepal, with damaged roads and bridges hampering relief efforts into upper Rasuwa. Some locations can only be reached on foot, and recent assessments report 3,844 displaced persons living in 34 camps across four areas. The evaluations also identified 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced households, highlighting the ongoing need for shelter, water, food, and basic services as relief activities expand.
Humanitarian supplies dispatched to affected regions
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on September 4 to distribute among impacted communities. The cargo contained water tanks, hygiene kits, water treatment materials, diarrhoea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and learning supplies. Trucks then commenced transportation of relief items toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. These deliveries aim to ensure safe water access, disease prevention, healthcare, and educational support for children and families affected by the floods.
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026, with food security requiring approximately $7.94 million. Water and sanitation needs total around $7.9 million, health needs about $7.6 million, while logistics and emergency telecommunications need roughly $7.33 million. Shelter accounts for approximately $7.1 million. Collectively, these five sectors comprise most of the appeal, reflecting Nepal’s ongoing response to one of its most severe recent flood disasters.