Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have swept away houses and buildings in Western Nepal, forcing nearly 750 families to leave their homes and killing more than 20 people, according to the government.
The floods and landslides come just a month after flash floods tore through Northern Nepal, killing at least 1,400 people, with about 5,700 still missing.
Save the Children in Nepal is working with partners to distribute emergency aid to the affected areas, including shelter kits — comprising tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats and rope — and hygiene kits.
"Children are extremely anxious"
"Children are extremely anxious. They saw the devastating destruction in Northern Nepal one month ago, and are now seeing their homes being washed away.
"Floods in Nepal are crippling livelihoods, disrupting education and causing fear for children who need security and safety.
"The heavy rain is forcing children and their families to flee to higher ground or move into emergency shelters. Roads and bridges have been damaged, hampering efforts to reach communities.
"Save the Children is working with partners to deliver essential aid to people who have been displaced, including shelter and hygiene kits, in the first phase of the response, but, as we have seen before, their needs will be long-term." — Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children in Nepal
In areas impacted by the massive flash floods on August 26 in Northern Nepal, Save the Children has so far reached more than 7,500 people, including about 2,300 children, with emergency assistance and support. The organisation has set up child-friendly and temporary learning spaces, giving children a safe place to play and learn, and is working alongside local authorities and partners to strengthen protection measures — including increased monitoring and surveillance at checkpoints — and access to psychosocial support and case management services for children and their families.
Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The child rights organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition, and child poverty.
Ayush Joshi, Programmes Director, Save the Children in Nepal, is available for interviews in Kathmandu.
Media Contact
Julie Marshall jmarshal@savethechildren.ca