Walking with Nepal flood survivors through unimaginable loss
BY IHQ INTERNATIONAL
The Salvation Army is continuing to support devastated communities in Nepal five weeks after the glacial collapse, catastrophic floods and landslides.
About 84,000 people, including approximately 32,000 children, have been severely impacted by the tragedy that unfolded on 26 August 2026 in Nepal and Tibet.
The official death toll is 1400; however, more than 5700 are still listed as missing.
The Salvation Army is providing ongoing emergency relief while preparing for a long-term recovery effort.
Officers and volunteers have been meeting survivors, hearing first-hand accounts of loss and helping families face an uncertain future.
The Salvation Army’s Officer in Charge in Nepal is Major Lalsangpuii.
She said despite extremely difficult access, The Salvation Army has delivered emergency assistance to Syabrubesi, one of the hardest hit areas.
“So far, 170 flood-affected families have received relief packages containing rice, lentils, cooking oil, noodles and fibre quilts, while 160 sets of children’s clothing have also been distributed,” she said.
“The journey from Kathmandu took the team more than 14 hours, with muddy and damaged roads reduced in places to narrow single-vehicle access. Thulo Syabrubesi was the last point accessible by road. Beyond this, the road connection had been cut off by the flash flood.”
Major Lalsangpuii said The Salvation Army continues to work closely with local municipalities, district authorities, the District Disaster Management Committee and the Social Welfare Council to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.
Personal accounts Major Lalsangpuii described meeting Mr Harnarayan Shrestha, a government schoolteacher who lost his father in the floods.
“He personally witnessed the flash flood, which he described as an unimaginable disaster,” she said. “He returned to his house hoping to recover money and valuable belongings but found that his house and possessions had been buried by the flood.”
Many survivors have since relocated temporarily to Kathmandu, uncertain when they will be able to return home. Major Lalsangpuii said that it is particularly hard for the children who are keen to return to school, but whose schools have been destroyed along with their homes.
Communities swept away
Major Lalsangpuii said The Salvation Army has been working in communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, where the flood destroyed homes, businesses, roads and bridges.
She said that an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, triggering a sudden surge of water. Timure, close to Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi, was among the first communities hit.
“With no rainfall reported in the area, residents had no warning of the disaster and were going about their daily routines when the flood struck,” Major Lalsangpuii said.
The Salvation Army is one of many organisations bringing aid and supplies to the Nepalese, especially in isolated communities.
Walking alongside survivors
In Betrawati, another severely affected community, homes, shops, agricultural land and livelihoods have been destroyed. Many families returning to the area have found their belongings buried beneath hardened silt and debris.
On their return journey, The Salvation Army team met Mrs Anjali Dhungana, a teacher who survived with her husband and baby but lost 11 family members and relatives, as well as her home.
Mrs Dhungana was travelling to Kathmandu so her baby could receive medical treatment. With no other transport available, The Salvation Army team brought the family to the capital in its vehicle.
Preparing for long-term recovery
Assessments in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts have identified continuing needs for temporary shelter, household items, warm clothing, blankets and other winterisation support as colder weather approaches.
Plans are also being developed to support around 300 households with longer-term shelter solutions as families begin rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and sense of security.
Recovery will take time, but The Salvation Army in Nepal is committed to walk alongside affected communities.
To donate to the Nepal relief efforts, there is a link in this story here
