Nepal
Between Mud and Hope.
A report on flash flood relief in Nepal.
The authorities are doing their utmost to coordinate aid efforts in the disaster area. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are finally permitted to deliver emergency aid to those affected. The city of Bidur is a critical logistical bottleneck: While aid supplies can reach this point by land, onward transport to the worst-affected areas in the mountains is virtually impossible due to the destroyed infrastructure. We would gladly deploy one of our helicopters. However, government control mechanisms prevent this.
To overcome this obstacle, we are currently acting primarily as a funder for local actors. This strategy takes advantage of the recent regulatory changes that allow direct coordination with local governments (rural municipalities) at the community level. Through our trusted partners on the ground, we ensure that funds are deployed where government aid often fails to reach.
Goods procured in Kathmandu, including solar lamps (needed for up to 1,000 units), drinking water, tarpaulins, blankets and basic foodstuffs such as chiura (pounded rice) and lentils, thus reach the target regions of Nuwakot and Rasuwa.
Before and after: Syafru Beshi
Before and after: Syafru Beshi
Voices from the devastation: individual stories and destruction
The following reports from our partners transform abstract data into tangible reality illustrating that behind every statistical figure is a shattered life.
Sher Bahadur Tamang, a graduate of our Bible school, exemplifies the personal cost of this natural disaster. He lost five close relatives in the devastating flash floods. One particularly tragic incident occurred at a hydropower project on the Bhote Koshi, where his cousin and other workers were caught off guard by uncontrollable floodwaters and swept away. His descriptions paint a picture of total geographical and social destabilization:
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Kholabesi: 30 families not only lost their homes, but also their entire agricultural livelihood due to massive landslides.
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Akre (Nuwakot): Near Kisman, almost half the village was wiped out; 46 families are left with absolutely nothing.
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Khalte: The force of the flood almost completely destroyed 40 households, meaning the town effectively ceased to exist as a functioning settlement. In addition to the destruction, eyewitnesses report that areas such as the Trishuli Bazaar have been almost completely wiped out, further collapsing the regional supply structure.
One of the victims looks out over the swath of destruction.
Your support makes a difference!
Transparency in humanitarian aid is not merely an end in itself, but a necessary condition for building lasting trust between donors and recipients. In a highly volatile environment like Nepal, accountability ensures that resources are used efficiently for life-saving measures.
Our partnership with local organizations offers maximum assurance in this regard. Every donation is verifiably invested in procuring essential supplies, supported by detailed reports from local pastors and networks – and we know the leaders personally.
The swath of destruction along the river