Funding to support communities devastated by the Nepal floods

What happened in the Nepal floods?

On 26th August, a major flash flood struck Nepal's Rasuwa district after what is believed to have been a glacier collapse high in the Himalayas. The disaster unleashed a powerful surge of water, rock and debris that swept through communities near the Nepal-China border, destroying homes, roads, bridges and vital infrastructure within a matter of hours.

The scale of the devastation continues to emerge. More than 1,000 people are reported to have lost their lives, over 4,000 people are missing, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) estimates that up to 93,000 people have been affected.

How is the Nepal Red Cross responding?

The Nepal Red Cross Society responded immediately, deploying response teams and volunteers to support search and rescue efforts and provide lifesaving support. As part of the initial response, teams distributed emergency supplies including tarpaulins, blankets, rope, first aid kits, stretchers and other essential relief items.

Reaching some communities remains extremely challenging. Multiple bridges have been washed away, more than 40 kilometres of roads have been damaged, and access routes have been severely disrupted, making it harder for responders to assess needs and deliver aid.

How will Benefact Trust’s funding help?

As the response moves forwards, our funding will support the Nepal Red Cross Society – supported by the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – to provide emergency shelter, safe drinking water, health support, relief supplies and assistance for families affected by the disaster.

While the immediate focus is on saving lives and meeting urgent humanitarian needs, recovery and rebuilding efforts are expected to continue for many months to come.

Helen Gray, Benefact Trust Director, said: "The scale of this disaster is heartbreaking. Thousands of people have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, and many communities have been left cut off from vital services.

"We have a longstanding partnership with the British Red Cross and know how effectively their teams work alongside local partners during times of crisis. We wanted to provide funding as quickly as possible to help ensure support reaches those who need it most."

Rajesh Srivastava, head of Southeast Asia Region at British Red Cross, said: “This generous support from Benefact Trust comes at a moment when families in Nepal have lost homes, loved ones and the means to earn a living.

"Our Disaster Fund is helping the Nepal Red Cross Society get essential shelter, clean water and relief items to people who have nothing left, and they will continue to stand alongside communities as they recover. We are deeply grateful for Benefact Trust’s solidarity at such a critical time.”

The British Red Cross and Nepal Red Cross Society will continue to support affected communities in the weeks and months ahead as they begin the long road to recovery.

Benefact Trust works with selected partners to respond to emerging crises across the world. Find out more about Benefact Trust’s open grants programmes that support churches and charities in the UK and Ireland.

Photo credit: Nepal Red Cross Society