Nepal Flash Floods

Ready to respond

Roads, bridges and many homes and business have been destroyed by the torrent of water and debris

On 26th August a devastating Flash Flood swept from the China/Tibet border through central Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction across communities north of the Kathmandu Valley.

The Flash Floods demonstrate how vulnerable Nepal is to extreme weather events in a changed climate. The dedicated team at TLM Nepal is no stranger to responding in times of crisis.

They were there during the devastating 2015 earthquake and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience, local relationships and the trust they have built within communities mean they are well placed to respond quickly and reach people in need.

The mud and debris make rescue and recovery very difficult

Emergency Supplies were given to the first responders, The Nepali Police, who had run out of basic supplies likes masks and gloves

Help is on the way, emergency supplies of PPE, sanitizer and other essential equipment were quickly shared from Anandaban hospital to the First Responders.

While the Nepal Government has been leading the wider emergency response, the Leprosy Mission Nepal team has been working alongside local authorities to provide targeted assistance, making sure that people affected by leprosy and other vulnerable families are not forgotten.

Their response has included supplies for the Nepal police, such as masks, disinfectant and hand sanitizers. They also conducted a health camp in the holding centre, to support people who require ongoing medications for chronic conditions and and to help seek out individuals affected by leprosy who are living there. One person affected by leprosy said they and others affected by leprosy lost relatives and people they know.

They worry about what to do in the future now that the markets have been swept away. Floodwaters can interrupt leprosy treatment, prevent people from reaching health facilities and damage essential assistive devices such as crutches and wheelchairs.

Wounds and ulcers can also become more difficult to manage when healthcare is disrupted. Our team continues to work tirelessly to provide basic healthcare, essential medicines, wound and ulcer care, self-care support, psychosocial support and referrals for people whose usual access to services has been affected. This work is crucial. It means that even in the midst of a disaster, people affected by leprosy can continue receiving the care they need.

The team cannot do this without you. Your support enables the Leprosy Mission to stand alongside people affected by leprosy when they are at their most vulnerable.

It helps ensure that emergency assistance reaches those who need it, while essential healthcare and rehabilitation services continue. As Nepal begins the long road towards recovery, please continue to pray for the Leprosy Mission team in Nepal, and families and communities affected by the floods and landslides.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already responded so generously to the online appeal. Your support means the world to our brothers and sisters in Nepal. If you haven't given and would like to respond we have a response page on our website here.

May God strengthen those who are afraid, comfort those who are grieving, and bring hope and restoration to communities facing an uncertain future.

"Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.”

Psalm 31:2 (NIV)

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