Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Nepal is seeking financial compensation from the UN Loss and Damage Fund following deadly floods caused by a melting glacier on 26 August, which killed 1,367 people and left over 5,100 missing, including 587 foreign nationals. The floods affected about 84,270 people and caused significant destruction to roads, schools, power grids, and water systems across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts in northern Nepal. Rescue operations continue, with 13,646 people rescued so far, according to the UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal, Lila Pieters Yahia, who emphasized the country's limited contribution to global emissions despite facing severe climate impacts.
Ms. Yahia described the situation as a stark example of the losses and damages that climate-vulnerable countries increasingly suffer. She noted that Nepal’s call for climate justice aligns with principles central to the international climate framework, underlining the need for adequate and accessible support for countries that have contributed little to climate change but must respond to its consequences.
UN agencies and partners have been delivering aid, although accessing the most vulnerable populations remains difficult. Notably, the World Food Programme used cargo drones to transport food to isolated communities, marking the first time this technology was deployed in an emergency operation in Nepal.
In response to the crisis, the UN and the Government of Nepal launched a $49.6 million flash appeal to assist 84,000 people with shelter, healthcare, and cash support through December. As of the latest report, approximately $22 million has been received. Restoring water systems remains an urgent priority.