Flash floods in Nepal leave thousands of children in urgent need of humanitarian assistance
UNICEF is surging support now.
A torrent of water, mud and debris swept away entire communities in Nepal on 26 August 2026, killing hundreds and leaving hundreds more missing. As search efforts continue, survivors across the Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts have been cut off from urgent care. Roads and bridges have collapsed. Hydropower, water and telecommunications networks are down. Health facilities have toppled.
UNICEF is on the ground, scaling up our emergency response. But we need additional resources to reach the 17,000 children now in need of humanitarian assistance.
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What is UNICEF doing in Nepal?
Working closely with the Government of Nepal and humanitarian partners, we’re surging life-saving support to keep children safe from disease, malnutrition, violence and exploitation – risks that swell after severe flooding.
In the coming days, pre-positioned supplies will be dispatched to the hardest-hit communities, including medical tents, bed nets, newborn kits and therapeutic food for children with acute malnutrition. Emergency hygiene kits for thousands of households are already reaching families in need.
Meanwhile, mental health and psychosocial support teams have been mobilized, and UNICEF is working to identify, register and reunite children missing or separated from their caregivers. We’re also working with the Government of Nepal to deliver emergency cash assistance to families so they can meet urgent needs and avoid resorting to harmful coping strategies.
UNICEF is appealing for $17.2 million to sustain our emergency response and support early recovery until the full extent of needs is assessed. Without swift, flexible funding, UNICEF's ability to deliver essential care to children will be severely constrained.
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