The United Nations has appealed for nearly $50 million to support more than 84,000 people affected by catastrophic floods in Nepal. The organization warned that survivors face growing health risks and urgent shelter shortages as winter approaches.
The floods struck the China-Nepal border on August 26 after a glacial mountain collapse triggered massive flooding. The disaster killed more than 1,300 people and left over 5,600 missing across Nepal and China.
UN Warns of Rising Health Risks
“Time is against them,” the UN office in Nepal said on Friday. The organization reported that floodwaters destroyed homes, roads, bridges and hydropower dams across several mountain districts, leaving many communities isolated.
Meanwhile, displaced families face increasing health threats. Health authorities have detected fever and diarrhoea at displacement centres, while human remains and thousands of dead livestock remain buried in the debris.
The UN and its humanitarian partners want to provide cash, food, shelter, clean water and healthcare to communities facing the greatest hardship. Officials also stressed the need for durable housing because many families lost their homes completely.
Communities Remain Cut Off
Several communities near the disaster’s epicentre remain inaccessible because floodwaters destroyed vital infrastructure. Consequently, humanitarian teams face difficulties delivering essential supplies to affected families.
A preliminary UN assessment estimated that Nepal suffered about $158 million in building damage from the floods alone. However, the total economic impact will likely rise sharply after officials include damage to roads, bridges, farmland and humanitarian operations.
Furthermore, Nepal has warned that reconstruction could cost billions of dollars. Authorities and international agencies now face growing pressure to provide immediate relief while preparing longer-term recovery plans.
