Flash Flood in Nepal: Welthungerhilfe Prepares Emergency Aid for Affected
Disaster Strikes During Monsoon Season
Bonn/Berlin /Kathmandu, August 27, 2026. Devastating flash floods hit communities in Nepal’s remote Himalayan region particularly hard. Torrents of mud and water surged through the Bhote Koshi river system near the border with Tibet, leaving a trail of destruction downstream. Many families depend on agriculture for their livelihoods and have lost their homes, fields, and crops , and with this, their livelihoods. Just last week, several landslides caused by heavy rain claimed numerous lives and destroyed farmland in the western part of the country.
According to latest reports, hundreds of people have died; more than a thousand are still missing. The extent of the disaster remains unclear. About 40 kilometers of road and approximately 60 bridges have been destroyed or severely damaged. Electricity and telecommunications have been disrupted in some areas. Some communities in the remote Himalayan region can only be reached by helicopter. This significantly complicates the search for those still missing and the delivery of aid to affected communities.
Tabea Seiz, Welthungerhilfe’s Program Director in Nepal, explains: “Nepal is in shock. Many people are still searching for loved ones; entire villages have been washed away, and some areas are virtually cut off from the outside world. At the same time, we are witnessing an outpouring of solidarity. Communities, local or ganizations, and volunteers are joining forces and working together to reach those affected. What is needed most right now is clean drinking water, food, hygiene supplies, and safe shelter.”
According to initial estimates, at least 10,000 households need direct assistance. Welthungerhilfe is providing 100,000 euros from its emergency relief fund. Two team members from our partner organizations in Nepal are on their way to the affected region, together with responsible government authorities to assess damage, identify gaps in essential supplies, and determine specific needs. As part of the initial emergency response, food packages, hygiene kits, and materials for emergency shelters are currently being prepared. Welthungerhilfe is closely coordinating its support with the Nepali authorities, partner organizations, and other international aid organizations.
Welthungerhilfe has been active in Nepal, with interruptions, since 1972, working alongside national and international partner organizations. Through its country office in the capital and in collaboration with Nepali partners, WHH focuses on food security projects. Its work also centers on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and strengthening civil society.
Tabea Seiz, Welthungerhilfe’s Program Director in Nepal, is available for interviews in German and in English from Kathmandu.
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany; it is politically independent and non denominational. With courage and determination, it is striving for a world without hunger. Since it was founded on December 14, 1962, 13,424 international projects in about 72 countries and territories have been supported with 5.76 billion euros. Welthungerhilfe follows the principle of empowering people to help themselves to sustainably improve their living conditions, through approaches ranging from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organizations.
