UN Appeals for $49.6 Million to Support Bhotekoshi Flood Victims
Dragon Media Correspondent
The United Nations has appealed to the international community for $49.6 million in humanitarian assistance to support more than 84,000 people affected by the devastating floods and landslides along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
The appeal was launched on Friday in coordination with humanitarian partners to mobilize life-saving assistance for affected communities.
According to the United Nations in Nepal, the funding will prioritize a four-month humanitarian response plan prepared by the Government of Nepal under the leadership of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority before the onset of winter.
The main objective of the plan is to provide vulnerable communities in high-altitude and remote areas with shelter, health services, clean water, cash assistance and basic energy support before winter, while also reducing the risk of communicable diseases.
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are working in coordination with the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts being led by the Government of Nepal.
The disaster triggered by the Bhotekoshi flood on Bhadra 10 has displaced communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Extensive damage to roads, bridges, electricity systems, drinking water facilities and sanitation infrastructure has left many people in remote areas without access to basic services.
Under the joint response plan, affected families in areas where local markets are still functioning will receive direct cash assistance. Displaced households will be provided with temporary shelter and winterization materials before the onset of cold weather, while solar equipment will be distributed in areas without electricity to provide lighting and basic energy.
The plan also includes repairing damaged drinking water systems, installing rapid water purification facilities and distributing sanitation materials to help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
Mobile health clinics will provide immediate medical treatment and nutritional assistance, while protection teams will work to identify and reunite children who have been separated from their families.
Emergency food assistance will also be provided, while support for surviving livestock will help protect rural livelihoods.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia said families affected by the devastating floods and landslides along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers had lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods within moments.
She said the main priority of the appeal is to ensure that, under the leadership of the Government of Nepal, shelter, medical care, clean water and cash assistance reach even the most remote communities before winter begins.
