The United Nations has appealed for $50 million in emergency funding to support more than 84,000 people affected by catastrophic floods in Nepal, warning that survivors urgently need shelter, healthcare and essential supplies as winter approaches. The appeal comes as communities in several mountain districts continue to deal with extensive destruction caused by flash floods and mudslides following a glacial mountain collapse. The UN said the humanitarian situation remains critical for those who lost homes and basic necessities.

The floods struck along the China-Nepal border on August 26 after the collapse of a glacier-linked mountain formation triggered massive flooding. More than 1,300 people have been reported killed and over 5,600 remain missing across Nepal and China, according to the information provided by the UN appeal. The disaster caused widespread destruction in mountainous areas, with homes and infrastructure damaged or swept away by powerful floodwaters and debris.

The disaster severely affected transport and essential infrastructure, with roads, bridges and hydropower facilities among the structures damaged. The destruction has complicated access to affected communities and increased the difficulty of delivering humanitarian assistance. For survivors, the loss of homes and basic infrastructure has created urgent needs for temporary shelter, food, clean water, sanitation and medical support.

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The UN said the approaching winter is adding to the urgency of the response, particularly for people who have been displaced from their homes. Thousands of survivors are now dependent on emergency assistance while authorities and humanitarian organisations work to restore essential services. The funding requested by the UN is intended to help address immediate humanitarian needs and support vulnerable communities during the recovery period.

Health concerns are also emerging in displacement centres, where people living in crowded conditions face an increased risk of illness. The UN said health authorities are already monitoring displaced populations for symptoms including fever and diarrhoea. Continued surveillance, access to healthcare, clean drinking water and adequate sanitation will be important to prevent outbreaks and protect people whose health may already have been affected by the disaster.

The UN has urged international donors to respond quickly to the $50 million appeal as humanitarian teams work to assist flood-affected communities. The scale of destruction and the approaching winter have increased pressure for immediate action, particularly in remote mountain areas where access remains difficult. The appeal highlights the need for sustained international support to help survivors meet basic needs, protect their health and begin rebuilding their lives after the devastating floods.

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