KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The United Nations is requesting $49.6 million for a four-month emergency response to the floods that affected Nepal in August. The appeal aims to support 84,270 individuals, with nearly 40% being children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities within six districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Relief efforts prioritize shelter, food, healthcare, access to clean water, sanitation, protection, and support during winter. The floods struck on Aug. 26, causing widespread destruction along major river corridors.
A glacier collapse released water, mud, and debris through communities situated along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system and neighboring regions. By Sept. 6, the death toll had risen above 1,300, with nearly 5,000 people still missing as rescue teams continued their operations throughout the affected districts. Search teams combed through damaged villages, riverbanks, and hydropower tunnels in search of survivors and victims. Rescue personnel also reached remote communities after roads and bridges were destroyed. Survivors have been emerging days after the disaster, while emergency response activities persist across the area.
Homes, schools, roads, bridges, and local power and water systems have been severely damaged by the floods. Disruptions to transport links have hindered access to some mountain communities. The Government of Nepal is leading the national relief operations across the impacted districts, with humanitarian partners supporting with emergency supplies and services. Their efforts include providing temporary shelter, medical assistance, food aid, and water purification. Additionally, teams are working to restore electricity and support rural households that have lost livestock or other income sources.
Funding for Essential Services is Allocated
The $49.6 million appeal covers ten humanitarian sectors through the end of 2026. About $7.94 million is allocated for food security. Water and sanitation needs total approximately $7.9 million, while health requirements amount to roughly $7.6 million. Logistics and emergency telecommunications account for around $7.33 million. Shelter-related needs are estimated at about $7.1 million. Collectively, these sectors comprise most of the requested funds, with relief teams focusing on immediate needs in flood-affected communities.
In northern Nepal, especially upper Rasuwa, access remains a significant challenge due to damaged roads and bridges, which have delayed deliveries and forced some teams to travel on foot. Humanitarian assessments identified 3,844 displaced individuals living across 34 displacement sites in four areas, with 4,288 households affected, including 2,886 displaced households. These families require shelter, food, clean drinking water, and sanitation support. Emergency preparedness for cold weather has also been incorporated into ongoing response efforts.
Relief Supplies Progress Toward the Hardest-Hit Regions
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 diarrhea treatment, tents, winter clothing, and educational supplies. Trucks then began transporting these items toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. These supplies support safe water access, healthcare, disease prevention, and educational needs. Children and families in isolated areas remain a core focus of the humanitarian response.
The appeal also facilitates direct cash assistance in areas where local markets can still serve affected families. Additional measures include temporary shelter materials, portable solar equipment, and support for damaged water systems. Emergency health services cover urgent treatments, nutrition, and other critical care. Protection efforts include assistance for children separated from relatives during the disaster. Food aid and livestock support are also part of the broader relief strategy. The funding request aims to sustain essential services as Nepal continues rescue, relief, and early recovery operations.