Nepal Floods
On 26 August, a major flash flood, reportedly triggered by a glacier avalanche on the China-Nepal border, swept away villages and damaged critical infrastructure. Reports indicate more than 1,200 people have been killed and more than 5,000 remain out of contact. Casualty figures are expected to rise. An estimated 4,288 households have been affected, of which more than 2,880 have been displaced.
IMAGE: World Vision in Nepal
The flooding destroyed at least 19 bridges and 40 kilometres of road, leaving many of the worst-affected communities difficult to access.
The disaster occurred near Mount Kailash, a sacred Hindu site, during peak trekking season. Many tourists were visiting for pilgrimage or to participate in Janai Purnima, a major Hindu festival and public holiday on 28 August.
The Government of Nepal has held an initial emergency meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, released initial national funds for the response and deployed the Army, Police Force and Police teams to the affected areas.
The AHP Response
The Australian Government quickly announced its support for relief efforts, including $2 million through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership. The AHP response will be led by CARE Australia and World Vision Australia.
In Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, CARE will support three local partners to provide immediate and early recovery assistance, with a particular focus on people displaced by the flooding. CARE’s AHP response will include inclusive shelter and WASH support for displaced families, assistance to help affected people move to safe sites, and connections to longer-term reconstruction support. Each local partner will lead implementation in a specific district: LACCOS in Rasuwa, Gerkhutar Youth Club in Nuwakot, and Disability Rehabilitation Society in Dhading. This approach combines local reach with shared expertise, while CARE in Nepal provides oversight of shelter and WASH technical assurance, cash and safeguarding oversight, compliance support, and government liaison.
Also in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, World Vision has engaged local partners Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre Nepal and Good Neighbours Nepal to implement the response. The response will focus on protection, WASH, and the distribution of essential household items. With World Vision International Nepal providing in-country coordination and oversight, teams on the ground will work to meet the urgent and emerging needs of the most affected children, women and households, particularly those who have been displaced, lost household assets and livelihoods, or face barriers to safe water, sanitation, health, protection and essential services.