KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is requesting $49.6 million to fund a four-month emergency operation addressing the August floods in Nepal. This flash appeal aims to support 84,270 people, including nearly 40% children. It encompasses aid for 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Relief efforts focus on providing shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance. The floods, which occurred on Aug. 26, caused widespread devastation along major river corridors.
A glacial collapse triggered a surge of water, mud, and debris that swept through settlements along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and surrounding areas. By Sept. 6, the death toll exceeded 1,300. Nearly 5,000 individuals remained unaccounted for as search and rescue teams continued their efforts across the impacted districts. Responders examined damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels in search of survivors and victims. Emergency crews also reached isolated communities after roads and bridges were destroyed. Survivors have started emerging days after the disaster, while rescue and relief operations persist in the region.
The floods led to the destruction of homes, schools, roads, bridges, and vital local water and power facilities. Damage to transport infrastructure has made it difficult to access some mountain communities. The Government of Nepal coordinates the national relief activities across the affected areas. Humanitarian partners support these efforts by providing emergency supplies and services, including temporary shelter, medical care, food aid, and water treatment. Teams are also working to restore electricity and assist rural households that lost livestock or other income sources.
Emergency funding prioritizes essential services
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 needs total approximately $7.9 million. Health services require roughly $7.6 million, with logistics and emergency telecommunications accounting for about $7.33 million. Shelter-related needs are estimated at $7.1 million. These key areas constitute the majority of the requested funds as relief teams work to meet immediate needs within flood-affected communities.
Access remains a significant challenge, particularly in northern Nepal, especially in upper Rasuwa. Damaged roads and bridges hamper transportation, forcing some teams to travel on foot. Humanitarian assessments have identified 3,844 displaced individuals living at 34 sites across four areas. They also recorded 4,288 affected households, including 2,886 displaced families. These families require shelter, food, potable water, and sanitation support. As aid operations continue, preparations for cold weather have become a key component of the response.
Supplies are transported to the most affected districts
UNICEF received 84 metric tonnes of emergency supplies in Kathmandu on Sept. 4, intended for distribution to impacted communities. This shipment included water tanks, hygiene kits, and water treatment supplies, along with diarrhoea treatment equipment, tents, winter clothing, and educational materials. The trucks then began delivering these supplies toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. The aid supports access to clean water, healthcare, disease prevention, and educational needs. Children and families in remote areas remain a primary focus of humanitarian efforts.
The appeal also includes provisions for direct cash assistance in regions where local markets can still meet the needs of affected families. Additional support includes temporary shelter materials, portable solar power devices, and assistance for damaged water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent medical treatment, nutrition, and other critical care. Protection activities focus on children separated from relatives during the disaster. Food aid and livestock support are integral to the broader relief strategy. The funding request aims to sustain vital services as Nepal continues with rescue, relief, and early recovery activities.