Caritas responds as devastating floods hit Nepal

29 August 2026 - WELLINGTON - Caritas is responding to catastrophic flooding in northern Nepal after a sudden surge of water tore through mountain communities, leaving thousands displaced and causing widespread damage to homes, roads and critical infrastructure.

The flooding struck communities along rivers near the Nepal-China border, with some of the worst impacts reported in Rasuwa District. Authorities say tens of thousands of people have been affected, while search and rescue operations continue in areas now made even more isolated due to the loss of roads and bridges.

Caritas is repsonding

Caritas Nepal has deployed an assessment team to affected communities and has already begun providing emergency assistance.

With many families having lost food supplies, cooking equipment and household belongings, Caritas has established community kitchens and dispatched food supplies to provide meals for hundreds of affected families. Tarpaulins, blankets and sleeping mats are also being distributed as people shelter outdoors or in temporary accommodation.

Aftermath of the flooding in Rasuwa District. Photo: Caritas Nepal

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Chief Executive Mena Antonio said the organisation was working closely with its partners in Nepal to support communities affected by the disaster.

"Many families have lost homes, possessions and access to basic services in a matter of hours. Our priority is helping people meet their immediate needs while also ensuring support remains available as communities begin the long process of recovery."

Mena Antonio Chief Executive, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

The cause of the flood remains under investigation, but preliminary assessments indicate it may have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood high in the Himalayas.

Damage to roads, bridges and communications infrastructure has made it difficult to reach some communities, with authorities warning that the full scale of the disaster is not yet known. More than 40 kilometres of highway and key transport links have been washed away, creating major challenges for relief efforts.

Antonio said Nepal holds a special place for many New Zealanders.

"Many New Zealanders have travelled in Nepal, trekked its mountains and formed lasting connections with local communities. At a time like this, those communities need our support."

While immediate humanitarian needs include emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water and hygiene supplies, Caritas says recovery is likely to continue for many months and even years.

Families will require support to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and regain access to essential services, while some people will also need psychosocial support following the disaster.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is appealing for donations to help fund the emergency response and support long-term recovery efforts alongside local partners in Nepal.