At least 17,000 children have been affected by devastating flash floods that hit Nepal's Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts on 26 August. So far, an estimated 332 people have died — including at least 14 children — and hundreds remain missing. These numbers are expected to increase as search operations continue.
"The children of Rasuwa and Dhading saw their lives literally washed away before their eyes in a very short time, suffering damage to their homes, classrooms and health centers. Too many lost their lives and loved ones," said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative in Nepal.
Following flooding and earthquake-related damage, UNICEF identifies urgent needs in education, health, nutrition, child protection, water and sanitation (WASH), social protection and community communication.
Education: Nearly 19,000 students were affected by damage to schools near rivers. Temporary classrooms, educational materials, and psychosocial support are required. An estimated 10,000 children need immediate support to continue learning.
Health: Several health facilities were destroyed or damaged, affecting medical care and the cold chain for vaccines. UNICEF will deploy medical tents, newborn kits and mental health teams.
Nutrition: Thousands of children and pregnant or lactating mothers need nutritional support. There is a national shortage of therapeutic foods (RUTF).
Child protection: Approximately 17,000 children require protection support, family reunification, and psychosocial care, with elevated risks of abuse, trafficking, and gender-based violence.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): At least 50,000 people need urgent access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.
Social protection and cash transfers: Monetary assistance is proposed for 10,000 affected households, in addition to long-term support for vulnerable families with young children or disabilities.
Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE/SBC): Prevention messages are being disseminated, and rumors and information needs are being monitored through digital platforms and community networks.
UNICEF’s prior preparedness efforts, including pre-positioned supplies and community engagement, are enabling a rapid response to the urgent needs of children and families affected by the floods. UNICEF is scaling up the delivery of life-saving supplies to the hardest-hit communities and replenishing critical stocks. However, timely funding is urgently needed to sustain essential health, water, sanitation, child protection, education and social protection services, especially for vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, and women.
UNICEF will continue working closely with the Government of Nepal and humanitarian partners to reach affected families with life-saving support and support early recovery.
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© UNICEF/UN0914919/Prasad Ngakhusi
