Nepal floods: One month on - Red Cross steps up support as heavy rains continue

EXTRACTO DEL FEED · ATRIBUIDO AL MEDIO

Country: Nepal

Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Kathmandu/ Kuala Lumpur/ Geneva, 25 September 2026 – One month after devastating flash floods swept through northern Nepal, thousands of people remain displaced, many still coping with profound loss and uncertainty about the future. Further heavy rainfall forecast in the coming days is increasing the threat of landslides, which could make it even harder to reach areas where roads have already been damaged by the floods.

The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is continuing to scale up assistance as damaged roads, bridges and critical infrastructure continue to hamper access to some of the hardest-hit communities.

The NRCS has used helicopters to deliver critical relief supplies to isolated communities, enabling life-saving assistance to reach families. There is growing concern that continued heavy rain could further damage roads and destabilize already fragile riverbanks, potentially forcing nearby residents to evacuate.

"The floodwaters may have receded, but for thousands of people, the crisis is far from over," said David Fisher, IFRC Head of Delegation in Nepal. "Especially those in cut-off areas are still living in an emergency situation with minimal supplies. Many others have lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods and any sense of security. Whole communities have absorbed enormous pain and this week’s rain will add additional burdens and health risks to those living in tents. It is urgent to take the next steps in the recovery process to keep people healthy and avoid a spiral into poverty.”

In close cooperation with national and local authorities, the NRCS was the first agency to provide cash assistance to people in need, beginning this week in Bidur. Additional support will be needed to help families cover household and rental costs until they can be rehoused.

With IFRC network relief shipments continuing to arrive, NRCS is also scaling up its relief, safe water and sanitation, health and psychosocial support services, to help families meet their most urgent needs.

Beyond physical destruction, the disaster has left a profound emotional toll. More than 1,300 people have received psychological first aid and psychosocial support from trained NRCS volunteers, helping affected communities cope with grief, uncertainty and trauma.

Preventing a secondary public health crisis also remains a key priority. Damage to water and sanitation systems has increased the risk of water-borne diseases, particularly in displacement sites. Through emergency water supply and sanitation interventions, the NRCS has helped restore access to safe water for more than 9,600 people, and the IFRC’s specialized experts are consulting with authorities toward long term system rehabilitation.

"This response has demonstrated the power of humanity and solidarity," Fisher said. "From local volunteers supporting their neighbours to contributions from partners around the world, people have come together to help those affected. We need to keep this momentum growing to ensure communities recover quickly, with dignity and hope for the future.”

The authorities are moving rapidly towards a post-disaster needs assessment and recovery plan, with the IFRC providing funding, technical expertise and operational support. Critical relief items and equipment also continue to arrive in Nepal from the IFRC and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is also providing expert technical advice to the authorities in dead body management, provision of body bags, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), post-mortem examination materials and support to NRCS on restoring family links, as it works to close the gap for families with missing loved ones.

As recovery needs continue to evolve, the IFRC’s 24-month Emergency Appeal continues to support both immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts, reaffirming IFRC’s commitment to stand alongside affected communities for the long haul as they recover and rebuild their lives.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]

In Kathmandu

Fleur Verwer, +31 6 31752821

In Kuala Lumpur

Lili Chin, +60 16 234 0872

In Geneva

Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

Paolo Cravero, +41 79 894 8396

Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575