UN and partners launch $49.6 million emergency appeal

Kathmandu, Sept. 4 

The United Nations and humanitarian partners launched a US$49.6 million flash appeal on Friday to deliver life-saving relief to over 84,000 people affected by catastrophic flash floods and landslides in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26.

Operating under the overall leadership of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the four-month response plan addresses critical operational gaps identified by the government to prevent further hardship and disease outbreaks as winter approaches in high-altitude Himalayan communities. "The United Nations and humanitarian responders are working in partnership with ongoing Nepalese emergency operations," the UN in Nepal said in a statement.

Stating that the survivors of the catastrophe face tragic losses of family members, homes, and rural livelihoods, it said that to mitigate immediate suffering and safeguard vulnerable populations, the joint response targets essential humanitarian needs across multiple sectors.

"Direct cash transfers will be deployed where local markets remain functional to give families the dignity to buy essential goods while stimulating local economies. To protect displaced communities before winter sets in, aid teams will distribute cold-weather shelter materials and supply portable solar units to households to restore essential power and light in off-grid zones," read the statement.

According to the UN, humanitarian operations will also restore damaged water networks, deploy rapid purification systems, and deliver hygiene supplies to halt the spread of waterborne illnesses. Emergency mobile clinics will provide immediate medical treatment and nutrition support, while protection teams work to reunify children separated from their families.

In addition, aid teams will distribute emergency food aid and manage surviving livestock to protect rural livelihoods.

Lila Pieters Yahia, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal, said, "Working under the government's leadership, this appeal will get cash, shelter, health care, clean water and protection to the hardest-to-reach communities before winter closes in."

Israel distributes support

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Israel in Nepal has provided emergency humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods in Baireni of Galchhi Rural Municipality-6 in Dhading.

Deputy Chief of Mission Janan Bebar visited the affected area and handed over Emergency Go-Bags and boxes containing essential supplies to support individuals and families facing immediate challenges as a result of the floods, the embassy informed in a statement on Friday.

"The assistance marks the first phase of the Embassy’s emergency relief response. Additional support and assistance will be provided in the coming days as further needs are identified," it said.

Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass expressed hope that this initial assistance would provide some immediate relief to affected communities. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 5 September 2026.