KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is aiming to raise $49.6 million for a four-month emergency response effort addressing Nepal’s August floods. This flash appeal targets 84,270 individuals, including nearly 40% children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts, namely Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Immediate relief priorities include shelter, food, health care, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance. The floods, which struck on Aug. 26, severely impacted communities along key river corridors.
A glacial collapse resulted in a surge of water, mud, and debris flowing through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and surrounding areas. By Sept. 6, the death toll exceeded 1,300, with nearly 5,000 people still missing as rescue operations persisted across the affected districts. Search teams combed damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels seeking survivors and victims. Due to damaged roads and bridges, rescue teams also reached isolated communities. Days after the disaster, some survivors emerged, and emergency activities continued throughout the region.
Homes, schools, roads, bridges, and local water and power systems were among the infrastructures destroyed. Damage to transport links has made access difficult for mountain communities. Nepal’s government leads the national relief effort across the districts affected, with humanitarian partners providing emergency supplies and services. Their support includes setting up temporary shelters, medical care, food aid, and water sanitation. Teams are also working to restore electricity and assist rural households that lost livestock or other income sources.
Funding initiative prioritizes essential services
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors until the end of 2026. Of this, about $7.94 million is allocated to food security, while water and sanitation needs account for nearly $7.9 million. Health requirements are estimated at around $7.6 million, with logistics and emergency telecommunications totaling approximately $7.33 million. Shelter-related needs are projected at about $7.1 million. These sectors constitute the majority of the requested funds, supporting relief teams as they address urgent needs in flood-affected communities.
Access continues to be a significant challenge, particularly in northern Nepal, especially in upper Rasuwa. Damaged roads and bridges have slowed the delivery of aid, with some teams forced to proceed on foot. Humanitarian assessments have identified 3,844 displaced persons living across 34 sites in four areas. The same reports record 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced households. The families in these locations require shelter, food, drinking water, and sanitation assistance. Preparations for cold weather have become integral to ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Relief supplies are distributed to the most impacted districts
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on Sept. 4, destined for distribution among 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 then started transporting these items toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. These supplies are critical for ensuring access to safe water, health services, disease prevention, and education. Children and families in remote regions remain central to the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The appeal also facilitates direct cash assistance where local markets remain functional for affected families. Additional support measures include temporary shelter materials, portable solar devices, and repairs for damaged water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent medical 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 parts of the comprehensive relief plan. The funding request aims to sustain vital services as Nepal continues its rescue, relief, and early recovery activities.