September 1, 2026
News
On Wednesday, 26 August, residents living along Nepal's Bhote Koshi River head off to work while their children leave for school. Some have no idea that they are closing their front doors for the last time. Shortly afterwards, a devastating flash flood tears through their villages. The disaster has claimed more than 900 lives, while another 4,000 people remain missing nearly a week later. The catastrophe swept away homes and critical infrastructure needed to deliver humanitarian assistance. Many of those who survived lost everything. Support them together with us and our local partner, Caritas Nepal.
The flood came without warning
Although initial reports linked the disaster to a powerful earthquake in the region, currently available information suggests that it was caused by the breach of a glacial lake, which suddenly released a massive volume of water into the Bhote Koshi River. The resulting flash flood inundated the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, where a state of emergency was declared. According to estimates, tens of thousands of people have been affected by the disaster.
Photo: Flood hit Nepal without warning (photo by Caritas Nepal)
The Government of Nepal has released emergency funding for rescue and relief operations. The army and emergency response teams have been deployed to search for missing persons and assist with evacuations. Humanitarian organisations, foreign governments and international institutions are also providing support.
Caritas is working directly in the affected areas
Caritas Nepal, which is part of the Caritas Internationalis network alongside Caritas Czech Republic, responded immediately to the disaster. It has deployed teams to the affected areas, where they are assessing the most urgent needs of local communities in order to provide timely and effective assistance.
Photo: Caritas Nepal is helping on the ground (photo by Caritas Nepal)
For families who have lost their homes and all their possessions, meeting basic needs is now the priority. This includes access to safe drinking water and food, as well as nutritious packages for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Caritas Nepal has therefore established a community kitchen and has already delivered food supplies sufficient to provide meals for 300 affected families over the next 15 days.
Other urgent needs include tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats and other emergency shelter items. Access to healthcare, psychosocial support and hygiene supplies is also critically important.
How can we help?
Experts on the ground warn that the risk of further flooding remains, which could complicate rescue efforts and further worsen conditions for thousands of affected people. This is why international solidarity and support from abroad are especially important at this time.
Caritas Czech Republic has launched the Caritas for Nepal fundraising campaign. With your support, we will be able to assist our local partner organisation in its efforts to help people whose lives were turned upside down in a matter of minutes by the floods.
Thank you to everyone who has chosen to stand with the people of Nepal and support them during this difficult time.
