KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations has launched a $49.6 million emergency appeal to support a four-month response to the floods that struck Nepal in August. This initiative aims to assist 84,270 individuals, nearly 40% of whom are children, across 19,284 households spread over 17 municipalities in six districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Key relief efforts prioritize shelter, food, healthcare, access to clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter preparedness. The flooding, which occurred on Aug. 26, caused widespread destruction along major river corridors, devastating many communities.
A collapse of a glacier resulted in a surge of water, mud, and debris sweeping through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and surrounding areas. As of Sept. 6, the death toll had surpassed 1,300, with nearly 5,000 individuals still missing as search and rescue teams operate across impacted districts. Search parties scoured damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels seeking survivors and victims. Due to damaged roads and bridges, rescue teams also reached remote communities on foot, and several survivors were found days after the disaster, with emergency efforts ongoing throughout the region.
The floods resulted in the destruction of homes, schools, roads, bridges, and vital local infrastructure including power and water systems. Damage to transport links has hindered access to some mountain communities. The Government of Nepal is leading the national relief operations across affected areas, supported by humanitarian partners providing emergency supplies and services such as temporary shelter, medical aid, food distribution, and water treatment. Efforts also include restoring electricity access and assisting rural households that lost livestock or other income sources.
Emergency Funding Addresses Core Services
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through to the end of 2026. Approximately $7.94 million is allocated for food security, while water and sanitation needs total around $7.9 million, and health requirements are estimated at roughly $7.6 million. Logistics and emergency telecommunications together require about $7.33 million, with shelter needs accounting for approximately $7.1 million. These sectors constitute the majority of the requested funds, supporting relief teams as they meet immediate needs in communities affected by flooding.
In northern Nepal, especially upper Rasuwa, access remains a significant challenge, with damaged roads and bridges slowing down aid deliveries and forcing some teams to travel on foot. Humanitarian assessments identified 3,844 displaced individuals living across 34 displacement sites in four areas. Affected households numbered 4,288, including 2,886 displaced households. These families require urgent shelter, food, clean drinking water, and sanitation support. As aid efforts continue, preparations for colder weather have become a vital component of the ongoing response.
Relief Supplies Are Moving to the Most Affected Areas
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on Sept. 4, intended for distribution to affected communities. The shipment included water tanks, hygiene kits, and water treatment materials, along with equipment for diarrhoea treatment, tents, winter clothing, and educational supplies. Trucks are now transporting these resources toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. The supplies support safe water access, healthcare services, disease prevention, and educational needs. Ensuring aid reaches children and families in isolated regions remains a central focus of the humanitarian effort.
The appeal also includes provisions for direct cash assistance in areas where local markets remain functional, as well as supplies such as temporary shelter materials, portable solar devices, and support for damaged water infrastructure. Emergency health services cover urgent treatment, nutrition, and other critical care. Protection activities involve assisting children separated from relatives during the floods. Food aid and livestock support are also part of the comprehensive relief strategy. The funding request aims to sustain vital services as Nepal continues rescue operations, relief efforts, and early recovery activities.