After a major flash flood struck the Rasuwa district in Nepal, on Wednesday 26 August, a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) team experienced in providing emergency response has arrived in Nepal to assess people’s immediate needs. We stand ready to provide urgent humanitarian and medical assistance.  

The floods rapidly impacted the Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi areas causing significant damage to settlements, markets, and infrastructure. Flood waves are estimated to have been as large as 8-10 metres in some locations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are feared to have died, with many people still missing.  

Floodwaters reached the town of Mugling, in Chitwan district, and have since begun to recede. However, authorities say the risk remains high, as the blocked section of the river upstream has not yet been fully cleared.  

High-alert warnings have been issued for communities located along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, particularly in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts. People living along riverbanks have been advised to move to safer locations. 

Authorities are carrying out urgent search and rescue operations in affected areas, and a full health emergency response has been initiated.  

The MSF team arrived in Nepal less than 24 hours after the floods struck, and we are engaging with health facilities to assess if we can support. We know from our years of experience in emergencies that people in affected areas will have urgent needs for shelter, non-food items such as hygiene and cooking items, access to clean water and latrines, and emergency medical and trauma support.  

MSF teams are assessing how we can provide assistance to people and stand ready to support the national response to this tragedy.