The Irish Red Cross has launched an urgent emergency appeal to support communities devastated by severe flash flooding that hit northern Nepal on Wednesday.
The funds raised will support the work of the Nepal Red Cross Society who are on the ground providing emergency humanitarian support to people affected by the disaster.
A glacial lake outburst flood originating near the Xizang / Tibet border caused significant destruction across northern Nepal, with some of the worst impacts reported in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure have been washed away or badly damaged.
Severe access constraints are making it extremely difficult for response teams to reach isolated communities.
These access constraints are making it harder for responders to assess the full scale of the disaster and deliver assistance to people in need.
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, said, “Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and neighbouring affected communities following devastating flash floods.
For more than a decade, the Irish Red Cross has worked alongside the Nepal Red Cross, from the immediate aftermath of the 2015 earthquake to ongoing climate resilience and agriculture programmes.
That enduring partnership allows us to act fast. Local volunteers who live in these communities are on the ground right now saving lives. Our job here in Ireland is simple, get them the resources they need, immediately.”
“Nepal Red Cross Society is supporting affected families with emergency relief while assessment teams work to determine the full scale of the disaster.
“Right now, reaching isolated communities and aiding those who are injured or displaced is our top priority. We are closely following developments and collaborating with the Nepal Red Cross as they support affected communities.
“As we support the Nepal Red Cross in this immediate response, we are also preparing for long-term recovery; entire villages and market centers have been completely wiped out,” continued Ms. Garvey.
Nepal Red Cross teams have deployed towards affected areas, while additional emergency teams and volunteers are being mobilised to support local branches with limited response capacity.
Initial assistance includes distributing drinking water and emergency supplies including tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping mats, first aid kits, stretchers and body bags.
The immediate humanitarian priorities are emergency shelter, safe drinking water, basic relief items, first aid and health support, and restoring access to isolated communities.
Rapid assessments are being prepared to determine the scale of needs and inform the next phase of the response, including potential cash assistance.
The Irish Red Cross has maintained an active humanitarian partnership with the Nepal Red Cross for over a decade, spanning response and recovery efforts from the 2015 earthquake to ongoing disaster risk reduction and climate resilience programmes.
This established local network ensures that financial support raised in Ireland is deployed immediately to deliver direct relief where it is needed most.
A clearer picture of the impact is expected as floodwaters recede, and currently inaccessible areas can be reached.
The situation remains highly dynamic, and Red Cross teams on the ground continue to monitor developments closely and adapt the response as further information becomes available.
Please support the Irish Red Cross Nepal Flash Floods Appeal by visiting www.redcross.ie
Your donation today will help the Red Cross:
- Deliver emergency medical care and first aid
- Provide urgent relief and support to affected families and communities
- Help families and communities as they recover in the weeks and months ahead
Every contribution — no matter the amount — helps the Red Cross reach people in urgent need.