Nepal floods explainer

During the first hours, media reports suggested an earthquake may have been responsible for the flash flooding, but scientists now believe the floods were triggered when a large mass of ice and rock collapsed from a glacier high in the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending a powerful surge of water downstream through the Bhote Koshi River and into communities in northern Nepal, causing devastating flash floods in communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun Districts Districts. 

At least 84,270 people have been affected by the floods, including around 32,000 children. Hundreds of people, including children, have reportedly lost their lives, while thousands more remain missing. Entire communities have been cut off after roads and bridges were washed away, making it difficult for rescue teams and humanitarian agencies to reach affected areas and assess the full scale of the disaster. 

Children are often hit hardest by disasters. As well as losing homes and belongings, many children can be left without access to school, safe water, healthcare, and the support of their community. Some may be separated from or have lost loved ones, while others face increased risks of illness, malnutrition, and psychosocial distress.

Children living in communities that have been cut off by floods are especially vulnerable. With roads and bridges washed away, getting help to families can be difficult. And with over 20 schools destroyed and 80 more schools along the river have been affected, around 10,000 school-aged children now need urgent support to keep learning. 

In the aftermath of the floods, families need safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, healthcare, nutritious food and shelter. Clean water and hygiene kits help prevent the spread of disease, while health care and nutrition support can save lives and help children stay healthy. Many families have lost access to these essentials after roads, water systems, and other infrastructure were damaged. 

Malnutrition is also a major concern. Floods can disrupt food supplies, healthcare services and family incomes, making it harder for children to get the nutrition they need. Children who are already vulnerable are at greater risk of becoming malnourished, and those with severe acute malnutrition require specialised treatment to survive and recover. UNICEF is working to deliver therapeutic food to affected communities, but growing needs are placing additional pressure on available supplies. 

Children also need protection, emotional support and access to education. Around 10,000 school-aged children now require urgent assistance to continue learning, including temporary learning spaces and replacement of school supplies.

UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Nepal and partners to provide lifesaving support across health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, and child protection. 

Emergency hygiene kits are already being distributed; these kits contain essential items such as soap, buckets, water purifiers and other supplies that help families stay clean and access safe water after a disaster. Following floods, these kits can help prevent the spread of disease and reduce the risk of children becoming sick when clean water and sanitation services are disrupted.

UNICEF is also supporting the delivery of medical tents, bed nets, newborn kits and therapeutic food for children experiencing acute malnutrition in the hardest-hit communities. UNICEF and our partners are also mobilising mental health and psychosocial support teams and are helping identify and reunite children who have been separated from their families. Emergency cash assistance is being provided to help families meet urgent basic needs. 

Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including floods and landslides. The country's steep mountains, fast-flowing rivers and extreme weather can make flooding a regular threat. Climate-related shocks continue to affect communities across the country and often disrupt education, livelihoods and access to essential services. 

One of the most effective ways to help children affected by the floods is by supporting trusted humanitarian organisations, like UNICEF.  

In Nepal, UNICEF is working with the local government and partners to help provide safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, health care, lifesaving nutrition and other essentials for children and families. UNICEF is also helping protect children by providing mental health and psychosocial support, reuniting children who have been separated from loved ones, and helping families access emergency assistance. 

As the crisis continues to unfold, the needs are immense. Every donation can help UNICEF reach children with the support they need to stay safe, healthy and hopeful during this emergency.