KATHMANDU, Sept 4: The United Nations and humanitarian partners on Friday launched a US$49.6 million emergency appeal to provide life-saving assistance to more than 84,000 people affected by catastrophic flash floods and landslides in northern Nepal.
The four-month response plan, led under the overall coordination of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), aims to address critical humanitarian needs and prevent further hardship and disease outbreaks as winter approaches in high-altitude communities.
The floods and landslides, triggered on August 26, have claimed more than 1,250 lives and left thousands missing, according to the UN. Entire villages have been displaced in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, while damage to roads, power infrastructure, water systems and sanitation facilities has left many communities isolated and without basic services.
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The joint response will provide cash assistance to affected families where markets remain functional, along with cold-weather shelter materials and portable solar units for households in areas without electricity.
Humanitarian agencies will also repair damaged water networks, deploy water-purification systems and distribute hygiene supplies to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Emergency mobile clinics will provide medical and nutrition services, while protection teams will work to reunite children separated from their families.
The response will also include emergency food assistance and support for surviving livestock to help protect rural livelihoods.
“Families have lost everything: their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods, swept away in minutes,” said Lila Pieters Yahia, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal.
“Working under the Government's leadership, this appeal will get cash, shelter, health care, clean water and protection to the hardest-to-reach communities before winter closes in,” she said.
The UN and humanitarian partners said the appeal is intended to complement ongoing emergency operations by the Government of Nepal and address gaps identified in the response.
