Nepal is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing a variety of natural disasters each year, including earthquakes, landslides, storms, flooding, lightning, and wildfires. These hazards contribute to an estimated $218 million in annual economic losses for the country. With climate change intensifying extreme weather events like floods and wildfires, many of Nepal’s communities remain highly vulnerable – these disasters have displaced thousands, destroyed vast areas of land, and destabilized mountainous regions, exacerbating landslide risks for some of Asia’s lowest-income populations.
September 2024 Monsoon-Induced Floods and Disaster Response
Between September 26–28, 2024, heavy monsoon rains unleashed devastating floods and landslides across Nepal, affecting over 518,000 households, displacing 10,000 families, and claiming 250 lives, including 60 children. Dozens remain missing. The disaster caused widespread destruction:
- Economic Losses: Estimated at $341.97 million USD.
- Housing: Over 5,900+ homes destroyed and 12,400 damaged, leaving 18,400 urgently needed.
- Agriculture: Loss of 144,500+ acres of paddy fields and 26,000+ livestock, with damages valued at $69.8 million USD.
- Infrastructure: 52 health centers, 260 schools, and 1,639 water systems destroyed, disrupting essential services.
- Transportation: Major highways became impassable, slowing aid delivery.
Despite warnings from Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, response efforts were hindered by limited resources and poor coordination, exposing systemic challenges in disaster preparedness. Vulnerable populations in temporary shelters face additional risks from harsh winter conditions, inadequate sanitation, and limited healthcare access, raising concerns over disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters is compounded by systemic issues like unregulated sand mining, riverbank encroachment, and marginalized communities disproportionately affected. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires improved disaster preparedness, resource allocation, and regulatory enforcement.
In response to the September floods, The Nepalese government declared 71 municipalities as disaster emergency zones, mobilizing 31,000 security personnel for rescue and recovery. Despite collaborative efforts involving security forces, private sectors, and civil society, the scale of the disaster demands significant international support in terms of volunteers and funding.
Nepal’s recent floods and landslides highlight the critical need for a two-part approach:
- Addressing immediate relief, and
- Fostering long-term recovery to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.
Building Long-Term Resilience: Empowering Communities for the Future
Immediate Relief Efforts from CAF America’s Network Partners
CAF America-eligible responding charities, including the Community Development and Environment Conservation Forum (CDECF) and Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal (BWSN), have been pivotal in addressing immediate and long-term needs:
- Community Development and Environment Conservation Forum (CDECF): Supported local governments with damage assessments, provided emergency relief, and plans to implement training for emergency response assessments.
- Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal (BWSN): Delivered food, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter to flood-affected communities, with a focus on marginalized populations. The organization also implemented a Resilience Cash Assistance program, providing direct aid to pregnant women and vulnerable households.
These efforts exemplify the importance of collaboration between local authorities, NGOs, and international donors to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. Since it has been over three months since the disaster struck, our focus has shifted toward the medium and long-term recovery efforts these organizations are now supporting.
“Despite losing everything to the floods, which may take a lifetime to rebuild, the lifesaving food packages, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits from Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal have given me a glimmer of hope. This support feels like a blessing in my darkest hour, a true sigh of relief amidst despair.”
– 63-year-old Laxmi Yadav from Haripur, Sarlahi District
Long-Term Recovery Plans
So what can be done to help prevent the devastation from almost certain future disasters? Both organizations are committed to sustainable recovery initiatives that strengthen community resilience and promote self-sufficiency:
Community Development and Environment Conservation Forum
CDECF brings significant expertise in long-term recovery efforts, particularly in the districts severely impacted by natural disasters, such as Sindhupalchowk. Recognizing the critical need for effective intervention in this flood-and-landslide-prone area, they help affected communities build resilient and better lives, and in the future are looking to offer emergency response assessment training to enhance readiness.
Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal
BWSN is dedicated to supporting long-term recovery and strengthening disaster resilience in affected communities. Key initiatives include:
- Immediate Relief: Providing food, water, hygiene kits, warm clothing, and transitional shelters to help families through the winter.
- Mental Health Support: Offering counseling services and support groups to address trauma and loss.
- Livelihood Recovery: Providing vocational training and financial assistance, with a focus on orphans and marginalized groups, to rebuild economic stability.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Implementing hazard mapping, early warning systems, and public education to enhance preparedness for future emergencies.
- Community Resilience: Training local emergency responders in planning, first aid, and resource management while promoting sustainable agriculture to improve food security and reduce risk.
By collaborating with donors, development partners, and government agencies, BWSN empowers communities to rebuild and better prepare for future challenges.
Building Resilience and Hope for Nepal’s Future
Combining immediate relief with sustainable recovery is crucial for rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities in Nepal. The urgent needs of flood-affected areas require donor support to fund recovery efforts combining rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, providing psycho-social support, and restoring education, health care, and WASH facilities. Equally important is investing in resilient infrastructure and initiatives that empower vulnerable populations to recover and thrive. Together, we can create lasting impact and help communities rebuild for the future.
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A big thank you to Rewati Dhakal from Nepal Centre for Philanthropy and Development for generously providing this insightful information.
