Geologists said the force of the ice hitting the valley floor registered roughly as strong as a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, and the result was a catastrophic flash flood that hit Nepal along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, leaving an immense trail of destruction.
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The impact of the Nepal flash floods
More than 900 people have been killed in Nepal, and over 2,498 people have been reported missing, including a number of Australians. Around 40,000 people have been forced from their homes, and local authorities and communities are still searching for survivors and bodies.
Entire communities have suffered extensive destruction, with homes, markets, bridges, roads, communication systems and public infrastructure washed away or severely damaged. The impact on the local economy has been huge. The floods have severely disrupted industries like tourism and agriculture, and many families have lost homes, businesses and sources of income.
For women and girls, we know that in times of crisis existing inequalities are multiplied. That means they are likely to face increased care responsibilities, loss of income and increased safety risks while they are forced to evacuate their home.
ActionAid Australia’s Executive Director Michelle Higelin says that women and families will face significant challenges ahead, as they attempt to recover from the destruction. “For women who have survived these catastrophic floods, the days and weeks ahead will be incredibly difficult. They may have lost their homes, livelihoods and everything they own, while still carrying the responsibility of caring for children, older family members and others who depend on them.”
Delivering support following the flood
ActionAid Nepal is working closely with government authorities, humanitarian organisations, local partners and community networks to deliver an effective emergency response.
The priority right now is addressing the immediate humanitarian needs, particularly for families who have been forced out of their homes and communities cut off by damaged infrastructure. This includes:
- Search and rescue and family tracing.
- Emergency shelter and essential non-food items.
- Food and safe drinking water; sanitation and hygiene support.
- Emergency medical care, referral and psychosocial support.
- Protection services, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
So far, ActionAid Nepal has distributed emergency relief to communities in Rasuwa, including 1,400kg of food supplies such as beaten rice, mixed dalmot and roasted chickpeas, as well as 200 blankets and 180 sleeping bags.
Support still urgently needed in Nepal
Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director of ActionAid Nepal, says that communities affected by the Bhotekoshi floods urgently need support. Immediate funding is required to provide life-saving assistance, shelter, food, clean water and protection services to families whose lives have been devastated by this emergency.
“While rescue efforts continue, urgent humanitarian assistance is needed now to support affected communities and protect women and girls as a priority,” she said. “ActionAid Nepal is working alongside partners and local authorities to assess needs and help ensure that no one is left behind in the response and recovery effort.”
The ActionAid team is working around the clock to provide emergency food, essential non-food items and temporary shelter assistance to affected and displaced households.
The response will prioritise the most vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, children, older people, persons with disabilities and families that have lost homes or livelihoods.
We’re working through trusted local partners, volunteers and community networks to reach people who need help most – including communities in hard-to-reach areas. At the same time, we’re coordinating with government and humanitarian partners to make sure our response is targeted, timely and strengthens the wider humanitarian effort.
Funding is urgently needed to help scale up our emergency response and reach people impacted by the devastating floods. Please donate today to help communities in Nepal get the urgent support they need.