Salvation Army leader reaches out to Nepal and Tibet after avalanche disaster
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IHQ COMMUNICATIONS
The Salvation Army’s international leader General Lyndon Buckingham has expressed deep sorrow for the plight of victims of a catastrophic ice avalanche and flooding in Nepal (Rasuwa and Nuwakot Districts) and Tibet (China Gyirong County). He called people worldwide to prayer for disaster survivors and search-and-response teams.
As of Friday morning, 28 August 2026, the disaster had claimed the lives of nearly 500 people and more than 1,000 people are missing, including foreign nationals and pilgrims. Whole villages and infrastructure have been obliterated and the extent of the destruction is hampering response efforts.
‘With deep sorrow, The Salvation Army around the world stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and Tibet (China),’ said General Buckingham. ‘We are praying for the families of those who have died and for the many thousands who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
‘We feel their grief, their fear and their vulnerability,’ he said, ‘and we call on the citizens of the world to reach out with your own prayers on behalf of our Nepalese and Tibetan brothers and sisters. We also sense the shock of families of international visitors to the region who have lost their lives or who are missing. We need to be praying for all affected persons and for the response personnel and their efforts to help survivors sustain life amid such tragic circumstances and destruction.’
A prayer for Nepal
Heavenly Father,
We lift up Nepal and Tibet (China) to you today as the nations faces these devastating floods. We pray for everyone who has lost a loved one, a home, or their livelihood. Comfort those who are grieving, protect those in danger, and provide for those in need. We also pray for the international visitors to the region who have lost their lives or are missing.
Your Word says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.'
Lord, strengthen the rescue teams and all who are serving. Bring healing, hope, and peace to the people of Nepal and Tibet (China). May your presence be with every family and community affected.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Rapid-response project
Salvation Army personnel and local partners are coordinating closely with district authorities, humanitarian coordination mechanisms and ongoing search-and-rescue-and-response efforts led by the Government of Nepal. Through a first rapid-response project, The Salvation Army plans to provide immediate food assistance and essential household items to the most vulnerable flood-affected households. Activities will begin with a rapid-needs assessment conducted in consultation with affected communities and local authorities.
The Salvation Army will then procure, transport and distribute emergency food packages, alongside essential household items such as blankets, clothing, bedding and emergency lights. The implementation will be supported by local Salvation Army officers, volunteers and community networks who have existing relationships with local communities, enabling efficient identification of beneficiaries and delivery of assistance.
The intervention will complement the wider humanitarian response by addressing immediate gaps in food security and access to essential household items among the most vulnerable families. Further assessments will be undertaken – as access improves and more information becomes available – to identify evolving humanitarian needs and determine whether a broader, longer-term response is required beyond the initial rapid-response phase.
An enduring relationship
The Salvation Army has an enduring relationship with Nepal. In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake and aftershocks that killed nearly 9,000 people, The Salvation Army sent international relief teams to the country to support The Salvation Army in Nepal.
The international team members stayed for more than six months working alongside local colleagues before transitioning the work to a long-term development team. The Salvation Army teams managed displacement camps for people who lost their homes in cities like Kathmandu, and built temporary learning centres, rudimentary houses, septic tanks, and toilets for schools and communities. They distributed food packages to more than 11,000 families, alongside thousands of tents, tarpaulins and quilts for winter.
Nepal is part of the India Eastern Territory.
