Disaster Alert: Devastating Floods Cause Widespread Destruction Across Central Nepal

Devastating floods that struck Rasuwa and downstream river communities on 26 August have caused widespread damage across Northern Nepal.

Official reports indicate 165 fatalities, 826 people missing and 63 injured to date. Roads, bridges and riverside settlements have been swept away, leaving many communities isolated and hindering relief efforts.

The Government of Nepal is leading a large-scale response involving the Nepal Army, police, medical teams and humanitarian organisations. Damage to infrastructure is extensive, including dozens of bridges and around 40 kilometres of road, while rescue and evacuation operations remain ongoing.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust Nepal has been conducting welfare checks through its network of Area Welfare Centres. While no Gurkha beneficiaries have been reported killed or injured, several families have been directly affected.

A four-member Pensioner Support Team from GWT Nepal was deployed with relief supplies and to conduct an initial assessment of affected beneficiaries. However, ongoing safety concerns and restrictions imposed by local authorities meant the team was unable to reach some of the worst-affected areas and was required to turn back.

Communications across parts of the affected region remain severely disrupted due to power outages and damage to infrastructure, making it difficult to contact residents and verify the condition of properties and communities impacted by the floods.

In Trishuli, a Gurkha widow and her family lost their home and all their belongings when it was swept away by floodwaters. They escaped safely and are receiving temporary accommodation and emergency support. Another beneficiary has been confirmed safe, although access restrictions have prevented confirmation of damage to her home. A further widow whose home was destroyed is sheltering on higher ground with her family, but is facing shortages of food, water and shelter.

Although communications are disrupted and access is still limited in some areas, GWT continues to monitor the situation, support vulnerable beneficiaries and coordinate with local authorities to assess needs.