Emergency Appeal: Floods in Nepal
On 26 August, a catastrophic flash flood triggered by a glacial collapse struck the northern region of Nepal by the Tibetan border. The disaster has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with the sheer force and speed of the floods and mudslides destroying bridges, homes, and other buildings.
USPG is in close contact with the Anglican Church in Nepal.
Nadia Sanchez, Regional Programme Coordinator for Asia, was in Kathmandu attending the South Asia Christian Youth Network Conference, when the flash floods struck. She met with the Revd Prem Tamang, Dean of Nepal, who shared the devastating impact of the disaster on local communities and churches. He reported that several churches in the affected areas have collapsed, and some church leaders remain unaccounted.
To give, visit: www.uspg.org.uk/rapid-response
He also informed that severe flooding in northern Nepal has damaged numerous buildings and that members of Anugraha Anglican Church are currently missing.
USPG stands alongside the affected communities and the Church in Nepal and has assured them of our support.
We remain in regular contact with Revd Prem and local church leaders as they continue to respond to the crisis.
The disaster has become one of Nepal’s most devastating in recent decades, with at least 1,100 people killed and thousands still missing.
The Diocese in Action
After receiving news of the disaster, the Anglican Disaster Management Team carried out an emergency field assessment and began mobilising a response. Their immediate priorities have included:
- Distributing food, drinking water and blankets to families affected by the floods.
- Providing temporary shelter for displaced people.
- Supporting those stranded by the disaster, including rescuing three elderly women who had become trapped by floodwaters.
- Working alongside local authorities and health services.
- Preparing additional relief supplies including cooking equipment, shelter materials and clothing.
- Planning further assistance for communities facing shortages of food, clean water, electricity and other essentials.
Since the initial assessment, Dean Prem Tamang has reported that relief assistance, including food and blankets, has already reached 320 affected families. The church is also providing shelter for approximately 120 people at Grace Anglican Church in Tupche, Nuwakot, and around 200 people at a school in Ratomate connected with Revival Church.
The Diocese sees its role as not only helping people survive the immediate crisis, but also walking alongside communities as they rebuild their lives and regain stability in the months and years ahead.
To support this response, USPG has sent an initial £3,000 from our Emergency Response Fund. This contribution will support the church’s broader relief efforts and urgent humanitarian work rather than being restricted to a single item or project.
To give, visit: www.uspg.org.uk/rapid-response
Here are some ways you can pray:
- For those who are grieving, displaced, or have lost their homes, livelihoods and communities. And those who are missing.
- For protection and provision for those in temporary shelters, especially the most vulnerable.
- For Dean Prem Tamang, other clergy and the Anglican Disaster Management Team as they coordinate relief efforts.
- For wisdom and strength for local churches, emergency responders and aid agencies.
- For safe access to isolated communities and for the rebuilding of damaged roads and bridges.
- For peace, courage and hope as communities begin the long work of recovery.
Please take a moment to pray now:
Heavenly Father,
We pray for all those affected by the floods and landslides on the Nepal-Tibet border. Bring comfort to those who mourn and strength and hope to those still waiting for news of loved ones. Protect and guide the rescuers, Dean Prem Tamang, all other clergy and the Anglican Disaster Management Team and all who are working in dangerous conditions.
Amid fear and uncertainty, may your peace surround all who are suffering.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen