KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 — MERCY Malaysia has sent a team to Nepal to assess urgent needs after a catastrophic flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi river system on August 26.
MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the team would assess conditions, engage with affected communities and local partners, and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.
“The scale of this disaster is deeply concerning, particularly for communities that remain isolated and families who are still searching for their loved ones. Our immediate priority is to understand the needs on the ground and ensure our response reaches those who need it most,” he said in a statement today.
The disaster followed an ice-and-rock avalanche and glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, which triggered a powerful surge of water, mud and debris through the Bhote Koshi and downstream river systems.
The resulting destruction severely affected communities and critical infrastructure across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and other downstream districts.
According to the statement, a preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that about 2.2 million tonnes of debris have been deposited across the flood-affected areas.
The floods also damaged local energy infrastructure, forcing at least 11 hydropower stations and one solar plant to cease operations, affecting about 431MW of generating capacity.
The humanitarian team will conduct an initial assessment focusing on search and rescue, emergency shelter, food, clean water and sanitation, healthcare, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support.
The statement said roads and bridges had been destroyed or blocked by massive quantities of debris, making access to affected communities increasingly difficult.
It added restoring access will be critical to ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need, particularly displaced families, vulnerable groups and families searching for missing loved ones.
“Timely humanitarian action can make a critical difference. MERCY Malaysia is committed to working alongside local authorities, partners and communities in Nepal to provide appropriate assistance and support recovery efforts as the situation develops,” said Faizal.
