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Flash Floods Destroying Homes; 50,000 People Need Urgent Support.

The Situation

On 26 August 2026, severe mudslides and flash floods struck northern Nepal, causing widespread devastation in communities around the Gyirong border crossing area between Nepal and Tibet, China. Tens of thousands of people are facing a serious humanitarian crisis.

Floodwaters swept away villages, houses, roads, bridges and power infrastructure along the river, cutting off many communities from the outside world. Damaged roads and disrupted communications in the worst-affected areas have made it difficult for rescue teams to reach those in need and for life-saving relief supplies to arrive in time.

As of 31 August, the disaster has claimed 903 lives, while more than 4,247 people remain missing.* The Government of Nepal has declared Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading disaster crisis-affected areas for three months. As some areas remain difficult to access, casualty and missing-person figures may continue to rise as search-and-rescue operations and damage assessments continue.

According to estimates by the Government of Nepal, around 10,000 households, approximately 50,000 people, urgently need access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies.

* BBC, citing local officials in Nepal.

Oxfam’s immediate response

Oxfam in Nepal has immediately activated its emergency response and is working closely with government authorities, local partners and humanitarian organisations to meet the urgent needs of affected communities, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.

In Rasuwa, one of the worst-affected areas, Oxfam has distributed hygiene kits to an initial 200 households. The kits include 1,000 Aquatabs for water purification and essential personal hygiene supplies.
Oxfam has also rapidly mobilised approximately £80,000 worth of emergency relief supplies, including temporary shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies, and hygiene kits, to support affected communities.

Oxfam is further scaling up its emergency response and aims to reach 10,000 affected people within the first phase of its emergency response with: