Severe flooding has affected northern Nepal, causing widespread damage across several districts. In response to the scale of the disaster, Karuna-Shechen is allocating €500,000 to support affected people and communities and is launching an emergency fund to strengthen this response.
On Wednesday, August 26, a sudden flood triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayan region along the Nepal–China border caused a powerful debris flow and a surge of water downstream. The districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading are among the areas most affected. The disaster has claimed many lives, with several hundred people still reported missing. Roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure have also been destroyed, isolating many communities and making access to certain areas particularly difficult.
Karuna-Shechen has been working in Dhading District for many years. Located in the higher areas of the district, the communities of Ruby Valley and Khaniyabas are safe, as are the local teams. However, roads and communication infrastructure have been destroyed, isolating villages and potentially disrupting travel, the delivery of essential supplies and access to services for a prolonged period.
A mobilisation close to the communities
As search and rescue operations continue and the situation is still being assessed, Karuna-Shechen is working with its local partners to identify the most urgent needs and the most appropriate ways to respond.
Karuna-Shechen has already committed €500,000 to respond to this situation. Every additional donation will help strengthen this mobilisation and support affected people and communities.
The situation is evolving rapidly. Karuna-Shechen remains fully mobilised in Nepal and will continue to monitor developments and adapt its response accordingly.