KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is requesting $49.6 million to support a four-month emergency response to Nepal’s August floods. This flash appeal aims to assist 84,270 people, nearly 40% of whom are 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, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance. The floods, which occurred on Aug. 26, caused widespread destruction along major river corridors.
A glacial collapse triggered a surge of water, mud, and debris through communities situated along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and adjacent regions. As of Sept. 6, the death toll exceeded 1,300, with nearly 5,000 individuals still unaccounted for, as search operations persisted in affected districts. Rescue teams combed damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels for survivors and victims. After roads and bridges failed, rescue personnel reached isolated communities, with some survivors emerging days after the disaster. Emergency activities continue across the region.
Homes, schools, roads, bridges, and local power and water systems were destroyed in the floods. Damage to transport infrastructure has hindered access to some mountain communities. The Government of Nepal leads the national relief effort in the affected districts, supported by humanitarian partners providing emergency supplies and services. Assistance includes temporary shelter, medical treatment, food aid, and water purification. Efforts are also underway to restore electricity and support rural households that lost livestock or other income sources.
Emergency Funding to Cover Essential Services
The $49.6 million appeal targets ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026. Food security needs account for roughly $7.94 million of the total, while water and sanitation require about $7.9 million. Health needs are estimated at approximately $7.6 million. Logistics and emergency telecommunications make up around $7.33 million, and shelter needs total about $7.1 million. These areas constitute the primary focus of the requested funds as relief teams address urgent requirements across communities impacted by flooding.
In northern Nepal, especially upper Rasuwa, access remains limited due to damaged roads and bridges, complicating delivery efforts. Humanitarian assessments identified 3,844 displaced individuals across 34 sites in four areas and documented 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced families. These families require shelter, food, potable water, and sanitation support. As aid operations progress, preparations for cold weather have also been integrated into the ongoing response.
Relief Supplies Moving to Hardest-Hit Areas
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on Sept. 4 for distribution among affected communities. The shipment included water tanks, hygiene kits, and water treatment materials. It also contained diarrhoea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and educational supplies. Trucks have begun transporting these items toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. The supplies aim to support safe drinking water, healthcare, disease prevention, and education for children and families in remote areas. Ensuring aid reaches isolated locations remains central to the humanitarian response.
The appeal also includes provisions for direct cash assistance in regions where local markets can still serve displaced families. Other relief measures involve providing temporary shelter materials, portable solar equipment, and support for compromised water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent medical treatment, nutrition, and other essential care. Protection efforts include assistance for children separated from relatives during the disaster. Food aid and livestock support are part of the broader recovery plan. The funding request aims to sustain critical services as Nepal continues rescue, relief, and early recovery activities.