International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: 93,000 affected by Nepal floods
Geneva, August 28 (KUNA) – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced on Friday that initial assessments indicate approximately 93,000 people have been affected by devastating flash floods that struck Nepal, with expectations of a rising death toll.
David Fisher, head of the Federation’s delegation in Nepal, stated via video link from the capital, Kathmandu, during a media briefing in Geneva, that thousands of homes had been destroyed or severely damaged, while dozens of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure had been impaired.
Fisher added that relief teams continue to face significant difficulties in reaching some of the most affected areas due to washed-out roads and bridges, as well as disruptions to mobile phone and electricity networks. He noted that information regarding the extent of the damage remains preliminary, highlighting that another flash flood occurred today along the river in the Rasuwa area, raising serious concerns among affected residents and relief teams.
He said the Nepal Red Cross Society has begun providing emergency assistance to those who have lost their homes, including food, water, hygiene kits, and other relief supplies.
In this context, Fisher announced the launch of an emergency appeal by the International Federation to raise 25 million Swiss francs (over $31 million) to support the Nepal Red Cross’s response over a 24-month period, aiming to meet urgent humanitarian needs and support medium- and long-term recovery efforts. He also clarified that the International Federation has already allocated nearly 1 million Swiss francs (over $1.2 million) through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the Nepal Red Cross in expanding its immediate response.
For his part, Ricardo Pereira, spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), stated that at least 17,000 children are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, confirming the death of at least 14 children and the disappearance of others. He emphasized that the toll continues to rise as search and rescue operations persist, and that approximately 10,000 school-aged children in affected areas urgently need support to continue their education amid the destruction of homes, stressing the necessity of providing safe learning spaces.
In the same vein, Pereira announced that UNICEF has launched an emergency appeal for $17.2 million to continue emergency response operations and support early recovery efforts, calling on the international community to sustain support for children and communities affected by the floods in Nepal. (End) A.M.K. / T.M.A.
