Hundreds missing after Nepal flash flood amid growing fears for children
World Vision is deeply concerned for children in northern Nepal after a powerful flash flood washed away villages killing more than 100 people and leaving widespread devastation in its wake.
Hundreds are still missing after the wall of water, ice and rock swept through the Bhotekoshi Valley, north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu. Search and Rescue efforts are currently underway, but authorities say the death toll is expected to rise.
World Vision New Zealand National Director, TJ Grant, says the aid agency’s staff describe the devastation caused by the flash flood as “beyond imagination”.
“Our teams at the scene tell us that homes have been carried away by the raging floodwaters, bridges have collapsed, and entire communities have been cut off without electricity and road access.
“Many people remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas due to the extensive damage and dangerous conditions.
“Children and families are homeless, frightened and in distress as they search for those that are missing. They face an uncertain future and they need urgent support," he says.
Grant says World Vision is ready to respond with emergency food assistance, shelter kits and other relief support.
“We’re deeply concerned for those affected and we’re working with government authorities and our local networks to assess needs and support response efforts.”
Grant says while the current focus is on the search and rescue operation, World Vision holds fears for the long-term impact on children.
“Displacement, disruption to education, psychosocial distress and protection risks can have lasting impacts on a child's wellbeing and development. World Vision is committed to working to protect, support and prioritise children throughout the emergency response and the recovery phase,” he says.
Grant says this latest disaster highlights the growing risks facing Himalayan communities.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the flash flood, but Grant says communities in Nepal’s mountain valleys are living with more frequent flooding events.
He says rising temperatures across the Himalayas are contributing to glacier melt and the expansion of unstable glacial lakes which can increase the risk of sudden and destructive flooding events.
“This disaster is a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to multiple environmental hazards and the urgent need for emergency support when these disasters occur,” he says.
Hundreds are still missing after the wall of water, ice and rock swept through the Bhotekoshi Valley, north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu. Search and Rescue efforts are currently underway, but authorities say the death toll is expected to rise.
World Vision New Zealand National Director, TJ Grant, says the aid agency’s staff describe the devastation caused by the flash flood as “beyond imagination”.
“Our teams at the scene tell us that homes have been carried away by the raging floodwaters, bridges have collapsed, and entire communities have been cut off without electricity and road access.
“Many people remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas due to the extensive damage and dangerous conditions.
“Children and families are homeless, frightened and in distress as they search for those that are missing. They face an uncertain future and they need urgent support," he says.
Grant says World Vision is ready to respond with emergency food assistance, shelter kits and other relief support.
“We’re deeply concerned for those affected and we’re working with government authorities and our local networks to assess needs and support response efforts.”
Grant says while the current focus is on the search and rescue operation, World Vision holds fears for the long-term impact on children.
“Displacement, disruption to education, psychosocial distress and protection risks can have lasting impacts on a child's wellbeing and development. World Vision is committed to working to protect, support and prioritise children throughout the emergency response and the recovery phase,” he says.
Grant says this latest disaster highlights the growing risks facing Himalayan communities.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the flash flood, but Grant says communities in Nepal’s mountain valleys are living with more frequent flooding events.
He says rising temperatures across the Himalayas are contributing to glacier melt and the expansion of unstable glacial lakes which can increase the risk of sudden and destructive flooding events.
“This disaster is a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to multiple environmental hazards and the urgent need for emergency support when these disasters occur,” he says.