KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has provided relief and humanitarian services to communities affected by the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods over the past month.
According to the latest government data, 1,453 people have died and 5,550 remain missing following the floods that struck Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas on August 26.
The NRCS activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) immediately after the disaster and mobilized district chapters and volunteers for search and rescue, needs assessment and coordination. A team led by Red Cross Chairman Dr Bishal Kumar Bhandari also visited affected areas, including Bidur in Nuwakot, soon after the floods.
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According to a statement issued by NRCS General Secretary Rishi Raman Khanal, the NRCS has distributed 1,218 sets of non-food items, 563 tarpaulins, 701 mattresses and 1,324 blankets to flood-affected families in Rasuwa. It has also provided food assistance to 2,000 affected families, WASH services to 2,200 households and managed 18 water tanks, with water supplied by tankers where necessary.
A total of 1,710 people received mental health and psychosocial support, while 1,239 people received health checkups, medicines and other services through Red Cross Emergency Health Clinics.
The NRCS also facilitated 2,291 tracing cases to help reconnect families searching for missing persons and provided 2,000 body bags to government security agencies.
It provided multipurpose cash assistance to 460 households—198 in Dhading and 262 in Nuwakot. The society also collected around 350 complaints, queries, requests and suggestions from affected communities and provided information, facilitation and referral services.
The NRCS distributed 587 dignity kits and 1,087 hygiene kits and provided services to 1,189 children through child-friendly spaces. It also operated information and help desks at 17 locations.
The NRCS said it disseminated information through social media and radio on flood and landslide safety, heavy-rainfall warnings, water and sanitation, water purification, health and hygiene, family reunification, access to relief services, cash assistance and complaint mechanisms.
The Red Cross said its priorities include continuing relief and humanitarian assistance based on the needs and risks faced by displaced and vulnerable families, ensuring timely supplies and strengthening response efforts. It also plans needs-based programs in housing, health, livelihoods, water and sanitation to support recovery and rehabilitation.
The NRCS expressed gratitude to the government, local authorities, humanitarian organizations, partners, volunteers, media and others supporting the response.
