Floods in Nepal: aid efforts take shape as communities remain cut off

03/09/2026

Since the floods of 26 August, Caritas Nepal has been organising support for affected families. Teams are working with local partners to provide meals, emergency shelter, hygiene support and access to healthcare, while destroyed roads continue to hamper access to some communities.

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On 26 August 2026, a flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River struck Rasuwa district in northern Nepal before spreading downstream. Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi are among the hardest-hit locations. Homes, businesses, roads and bridges were swept away or damaged.

In its report covering 26–31 August, Caritas Nepal reported hundreds of deaths and more than 4,000 people missing or not yet heard from. These figures remain provisional: search operations are continuing, and several areas are still difficult to reach.

The risk of further flooding also means that communities downstream must remain vigilant.

Widespread damage hampers relief efforts

@ Caritas Nepal

The impact of the floods extends beyond the loss of homes. Damaged roads and bridges are slowing the delivery of aid. Power and telecommunications outages are hampering searches, relief coordination and contact between loved ones. Schools and healthcare facilities have also been affected.

Displaced families are finding shelter in reception centres, in open spaces or with relatives and friends. Hosting them also places demands on families whose own resources may be limited. In Kathmandu, Caritas Nepal is planning support for displaced people staying with loved ones, helping to meet their needs while easing the pressure on host families.

Reaching communities that remain cut off is one of the greatest challenges. The Nepalese army has carried out helicopter evacuations in affected areas.

@ Caritas Nepal

Caritas Nepal reports receiving requests for help for more than 700 families in several locations accessible only by helicopter. Some say they have barely enough food left for 1 day. The organisation highlights the lack of funding to respond to these requests, alongside the high cost of the air transport needed to reach these communities.

Caritas Nepal works alongside affected communities

Through its provincial office, Caritas Nepal is working with local partners and communities to assess needs, in coordination with the authorities. A team has been deployed to an accessible area to organise the initial response.

@ Caritas Nepal

Caritas Nepal has set up community kitchens for people affected by the floods. Food supplies have been delivered to provide meals for 300 families over 15 days.

With support from its partners across the Caritas network, the organisation has also begun designing and implementing an emergency programme. Plans include meals, shelter and essential supplies for 4,000 families, as well as hygiene kits and solar-powered lighting and charging equipment. A second phase will provide cash assistance for 750 particularly hard-hit families, enabling them to meet a range of basic needs.

To help maintain healthcare services, Caritas Nepal has also delivered medicines to Gareni health centre at its request.

Planning the next steps with communities

Beyond the initial emergency response, Caritas Nepal is working with the authorities to prepare support for people who will leave reception centres for other accommodation. The support being considered includes tents rather than basic tarpaulins, access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and school supplies.

Clearing debris, restoring essential services and setting up temporary learning spaces are also being considered. Psychosocial support has been identified as another priority for people who have lost loved ones, been displaced or experienced distress as a result of the disaster. These activities will be refined as needs assessments progress.

A longstanding partnership, lasting solidarity

Several organisations within the Caritas network have already pledged funding to support the response in Nepal.

Caritas International’s ties with the country go back many years. Following the 2015 earthquakes, we supported communities in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, which are now affected once again. That support focused on access to water, hygiene and temporary shelter.

Our partnership with Caritas Nepal also supports the reintegration of people who voluntarily return to their country after a stay in Belgium. This support helps them rebuild their prospects and find their place in their communities, taking their individual experiences and needs into account.

You can support Caritas’ work with people affected by the floods in Nepal. Donate online or make a bank transfer to BE88 0000 0000 4141, using the reference “5656 Népal”.