The full scale of the disaster is continuing to emerge. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands are missing. Entire communities have been destroyed, roads and bridges have been washed away, and thousands of families have been displaced.

The disaster was triggered by a massive flood surge through the Bhote Koshi River on 26 August, devastating communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other downstream districts. Rescue operations remain underway, but damaged infrastructure and ongoing flood risks continue to limit access to many affected communities.

The humanitarian needs remain immense. Families urgently require food, clean water, shelter, health care and essential household items. Schools and health facilities have also been damaged, and humanitarian assessments indicate that thousands of children need support.

Caritas has mobilised emergency teams to affected areas and is working closely with government authorities, local partners and humanitarian agencies to reach affected communities.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Caritas established community kitchens to provide meals for families who lost their homes. What began as support for 300 families has now expanded significantly through more than 50 community kitchens operating across affected areas.

Together with partner agencies, Caritas is now providing:

• Ready-to-eat meals for affected families

• Emergency shelter materials and household essentials

• Hygiene and WASH kits

• Solar lighting for displaced households

• Emergency medical support

• Cash assistance for highly affected families

• Essential medicines for damaged health facilities

Many communities remain difficult to reach, with some families still relying on host communities and limited food supplies while they wait for assistance.

Caritas is preparing for the next stage of the response, which will include temporary shelter, school kits for children, water and sanitation facilities, psychosocial support and early recovery activities such as debris clearance and livelihood restoration.

While emergency relief remains the immediate priority, it is already clear that recovery will take a long time.

Thousands of families have lost homes, livelihoods, schools and access to essential services. As floodwaters recede, Caritas will continue accompanying affected communities through the next phase of recovery, supporting temporary shelter, access to clean water, education, psychosocial support and the restoration of livelihoods and community infrastructure.

Your donation today can help provide not only urgent relief today, but also hope and practical support for families as they rebuild their lives after this devastating disaster.

Right now, families are facing uncertainty, fear, and loss.

But with your donations, we can provide emergency shelter, food, clean water, and care to those most affected.

You can also start a fundraiser for Nepal by visiting The Compassion Hub below. 

Caritas Australia is a founding member of the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA), a collective of 15 Australian-based aid organisations that uses combined reach and resources to help save lives around the world. Together, we raise more funds for greater impact.