5 ways Nepal’s monsoon season affects our work

The people of Nepal bravely face their monsoon season from June to September every year. The combined effects of flooding and landslides often results in the loss of thousands of homes and acres of farm land. As well as hundreds of deaths.

We do whatever we can to make sure the Gurkha veterans and widows we care for are safe.

Watch our video to find out 5 ways Nepal’s monsoon season affects our work:

1. Getting from A to B is a lot more difficult for our staff

Many of Nepal’s roads are already in poor condition and the monsoon does not help matters. Travelling becomes much more difficult and lengthy delays are common. Encountering a landslide could turn a four-hour journey into a 14-hour journey for a member of staff.

Getting from A to B is a lot more difficult for our staff

2. Gurkha pensioners and widows need more support

It’s not just our staff who find it difficult to travel. Side effects like landslides, soil erosion and floods make it nearly impossible for many of our elderly veterans and widows to travel. This leaves them in need of vital medication, food and fuel.

Gurkha pensioners and widows need more support

In addition to the monthly Welfare Pension we provide, many of the Gurkha veterans and widows we look after rely on growing crops for additional food. Heavy rain and hailstones can completely damage these crops – leaving them destitute.

Crops are destroyed in monsoon rain

3. Damages to our own offices delay operations

Earlier this month after two days of continuous rain the back wall of our Welfare Centre in Jiri, East Nepal completely collapsed. Thankfully no one was injured but the repair is expected to take some time.

Damages to our own offices delay operations

4. Landslides have severe consequences

The heavy rain also had a catastrophic effect on the village of Lurung in the Myagdi District of Nepal.

A horrific landslide has forced two Gurkha families out of their homes. We’re doing everything we can to help those affected.

Landslides have severe consequences

5. Flooding

This time last year, major floods hit Nepal. The rainfall meant large-scale flooding and landslides in 27 of the country’s 75 districts.  Though thankfully the same isn’t true this year, we are prepared for the worst.

Major floods hit Nepal last year

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