Nepal floods leave 17,000 children needing urgent aid

At least 17,000 children in northern Nepal require urgent humanitarian aid following devastating flash floods that hit Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts on August 26. The torrential downpour destroyed schools, homes, health facilities and infrastructure, leaving thousands of families without shelter, clean water or medical care.

UNICEF has launched a $17.2 million emergency appeal to fund immediate relief and recovery. The floods completely destroyed 18 schools and damaged 20 more, disrupting education for tens of thousands of children. About 10,000 school-age kids need immediate support for continued learning, including temporary classrooms, teaching materials and psychological assistance.

Four health facilities suffered severe damage, limiting medical access at a time when displaced children face heightened disease, malnutrition and unsafe water risks. Inaccessible roads, bridges, telecommunications networks and water systems have hampered emergency team access to the hardest-hit settlements. Relief supplies have started reaching Nuwakot and other reachable areas, including hygiene kits, medical tents, mosquito nets, newborn supplies and therapeutic food for malnourished children.

Families displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in schools, military facilities and makeshift shelters. Some survivors escaped with nothing but their clothing, as floodwaters swept away their homes in minutes. Rescue teams have begun reaching previously inaccessible areas, with authorities warning of potential further flooding due to debris and ice forming temporary lakes and unstable barriers.

At least 93,000 people have been affected by the disaster, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that the humanitarian need is substantial.