After major flash floods struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district, a Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team was on the ground within 24 hours to assess people’s immediate needs.
The floods rapidly impacted the Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi areas, causing significant damage to settlements, markets, and infrastructure. Flood waves are estimated to have been as large as 8-10 metres in some locations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are feared to have died, with many people still missing.
Floodwaters reached the town of Mugling in Chitwan district and have since begun to recede, though authorities say the risk remains high, as the blocked section of the river upstream has not yet been fully cleared.
High-alert warnings have been issued for communities located along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, particularly in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts. People living along riverbanks have been advised to move to safer locations.
Authorities are carrying out urgent search and rescue operations in affected areas, and a full health emergency response has been initiated.
This week, our emergency response team visited the flood-affected area of Bidur, for an initial visit to engage directly with local authorities and frontline responders. We know how critical the situation is for affected communities, and that people will have urgent needs. Shelter, non-food items, clean water, latrines, and emergency medical and trauma support will be crucial.
We are in ongoing dialogue at multiple levels to determine how our resources and emergency experience can best support these communities, while ensuring timely and effective care reaches those in need. Our team stands ready to provide urgent humanitarian and medical assistance.