Among other things, FAIRMED is providing generators, which are being transported to Rasuwa by military aircraft. These are necessary for critical health services, such as the storage of vaccines. Among other things, FAIRMED is providing generators, which are being transported to Rasuwa by military aircraft. These are necessary for critical health services, such as the storage of vaccines.
At the government’s request, our team on the ground will provide emergency aid to the population affected by the crisis over the next three months. Should the need extend beyond this period, the emergency aid can be extended as necessary. The geographic focus is on the districts of Nuwakot and Rasuwa. While Nuwakot is currently accessible, Rasuwa cannot yet be reached due to the current situation. In total, approximately 500 households—and thus about 2,500 people—are to be supported. Special attention is being given to people who are particularly vulnerable in a crisis situation: people with disabilities, children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and older adults.
The aid addresses the most urgent basic needs. We ensure that those affected receive drinking water, medications, and disinfectants, as well as ready-to-eat food, rice, lentils, vegetable oil, and kitchen utensils. Shelter and protection for the people are also central to the emergency aid. Blankets, bedding, and clothing are distributed, and where necessary, temporary shelters are also provided. At the same time, we are strengthening local medical care, including by ensuring a power supply for health centers through generators and solar solutions. Mosquito nets and psychosocial support are also part of the planned aid.
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Thank you so much for not leaving the people on the ground to face their greatest hardships alone.
Extent of the Destruction
The severe flash flood swept away entire villages and buried them under debris. Roads, bridges, and hydroelectric plants were damaged by the mudslide, and power and communication lines were partially cut off. In addition, there are massive traffic jams, meaning that it can currently take several hours to reach some areas. Travel through certain regions also remains restricted.
A total of 7,451 security and rescue personnel were mobilized for the search and rescue operations. The government, in cooperation with the relevant authorities and organizations, is carrying out comprehensive search, rescue, and relief efforts. 305 people have already been rescued by helicopter.
Another Breach of the Dam
On Friday, another dam burst occurred at the lake that had formed in the same area of China where a dam had already burst on Wednesday. As a result, the government issued a warning for the downstream sections of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
The exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation. An initial explanation points to an event in the glacial region: An avalanche may have blocked a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, causing large volumes of water to back up. The river originates in the Tibetan Plateau. When such a natural dam suddenly breaks, enormous masses of water—along with ice, mud, and debris—can rush down the valley.
Recent satellite imagery also provides evidence of a possible link to an avalanche. According to the Nepalese Disaster Management Authority, a mixture of snow and rock may have triggered a massive mudslide on the Lhende River. However, it is not yet clear exactly which events ultimately led to the devastating flood.
While the FAIRMED projects are not directly affected by the disaster, the Rasuwa District is adjacent to Sindhupalchok, where we operate.
