The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an Emergency Appeal for CHF 25 million to support the Nepal Red Cross Society’s response to the devastating flash floods that struck northern Nepal, just a day after releasing nearly CHF 1 million in emergency funding to support the immediate lifesaving response.
Current estimates suggest around 93,000 people may have been affected, while assessments continue in hard-to-reach areas. Many homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, and multiple bridges have been washed away and major roads damaged, cutting off some of the worst-affected communities. The remoteness of the affected areas, combined with damaged infrastructure, is making it harder both to assess the full scale of the disaster and to deliver assistance to people who need it most.
“The IFRC Emergency appeal is a critical step to support the communities affected, focusing not only on the emergency response, but also on the mid and long-term recovery. While we are getting a clearer picture of the scale of devastation, we know that entire villages were washed away and needs will grow in the coming hours and days. Communities that have lost homes and livelihoods will need sustained support as they recover and rebuild. We call on the international community to show solidarity in the months to come”, said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.
The 24-month IFRC Emergency Appeal will support the Nepal Red Cross response across shelter, cash assistance, health, household relief items, water, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychosocial support, and restoring family links. The appeal has a strong focus not only on meeting immediate humanitarian needs, but also on supporting medium- and longer-term recovery.
IFRC has immediately mobilized its entire global network to support Nepal Red Cross and will adapt the response as further information becomes available.
Nepal Red Cross teams have been responding since the immediate aftermath of the disaster, providing food and water and distributing emergency supplies including tarpaulins, blankets, first aid kits, stretchers, emergency WASH kits and body bags. Communication with teams in affected areas has been difficult due to limited phone signals, and additional teams are being mobilised to support those already on the ground.
