KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations has launched an appeal seeking $49.6 million to support a four-month emergency response to the floods that struck Nepal in August. The emergency appeal aims to assist 84,270 people, with nearly 40% being children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Relief efforts prioritize shelter, food, healthcare, access to clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance. The floods, which occurred on Aug. 26, caused widespread destruction along major river corridors, impacting numerous communities.
The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse that unleashed water, mud, and debris through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and neighboring areas. As of Sept. 6, the death toll had surpassed 1,300, with nearly 5,000 people still missing as rescue teams pressed on with their efforts across the affected districts. Search operations have involved searching damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels for survivors and victims. Rescue teams have also reached remote communities after roads and bridges were compromised. While some survivors emerged days after the event, emergency operations remain active throughout the region.
Communities faced extensive damage, with homes, schools, roads, bridges, and local power and water systems destroyed. Accessibility has been hampered, especially in mountain regions, due to damaged transportation links, complicating relief efforts. The Government of Nepal is directing the national response across the impacted districts, supported by humanitarian partners providing emergency supplies and services. Their assistance includes temporary shelter, medical aid, food distribution, and water treatment. Efforts also focus on restoring electricity, assisting rural households that lost livestock or income sources, and repairing critical infrastructure.
Funding for essential services aims to meet urgent needs
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026. About $7.94 million is allocated for food security, while water and sanitation require roughly $7.9 million. Health needs are estimated at around $7.6 million, with logistics and emergency telecommunications totaling approximately $7.33 million. Shelter efforts are projected at about $7.1 million. These key areas constitute the majority of the requested funds as relief teams focus on addressing immediate requirements within flood-affected communities.
In northern Nepal, particularly upper Rasuwa, access remains a significant challenge due to damaged roads and bridges, which have delayed aid deliveries and forced some teams to travel on foot. Humanitarian assessments identified 3,844 displaced individuals living at 34 sites across four locations, with a total of 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced families. These families need urgent support for shelter, food, clean drinking water, and sanitation. Preparations for colder weather have also become part of the ongoing response as rescue and relief activities continue.
Priority supplies are moving into the hardest-hit areas
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies at Kathmandu on Sept. 4 for distribution among affected communities. The shipment included water tanks, hygiene kits, and water treatment supplies, along with diarrhoea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and learning materials. Trucks have commenced transporting these resources toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. These supplies support access to safe water, healthcare, disease prevention, and educational needs. Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families in isolated regions remains a central element of the humanitarian response.
The appeal also provides for direct cash assistance in areas where local markets can still meet the needs of affected families. Other support measures include temporary shelter materials, portable solar devices, and repairs to damaged water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent treatment, nutrition, and other critical care. Protection efforts focus on children separated from relatives during the disaster. Food aid and livestock support are also integral components of the broader relief strategy. The funding request is designed to maintain essential services while Nepal continues with rescue operations, relief distribution, and early recovery activities.