By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
Foreign — The World Health Organization (WHO) has released US$150,000 from the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to mount an urgent health response following the catastrophic flash floods that have ravaged Nepal.
This Information was made available today in a press release made available on the WHO website.
Described by UN officials as one of the worst tragedies in the country’s recent history, the disaster has claimed over 730 lives, with nearly 2,500 people still reported missing. National authorities report that more than 200 individuals have been injured, and 74 are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The emergency funds will support immediate response priorities. WHO is committed to supporting Nepal through the response and recovery efforts,” said Dr. Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge for the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.
The disaster, triggered on August 26, has left an estimated 10,000 households in urgent need of relief across six severely affected districts in the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. The floods have caused widespread displacement and crippled critical infrastructure, including health facilities.
According to institutional reports, four health facilities in the worst-hit Rasuwa district have been completely destroyed, while two others in Dhading suffered partial damage. Furthermore, major hospitals in Dhading and Trishuli have been cut off due to heavily damaged roadways, severely hampering rescue and relief operations in access-compromised areas.
Immediate action was taken within hours of the initial catastrophe. The WHO mobilized and dispatched an Interagency Emergency Health Kit capable of meeting the medical needs of roughly 10,000 people for three months, alongside multipurpose tents. Subsequent dispatches have included surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, and other critical medical supplies.
On the ground, the WHO is collaborating closely with the Nepalese government and humanitarian partners to coordinate healthcare delivery, enhance disease surveillance, and preserve essential health services.
Health authorities remain on high alert for emerging public health threats in the aftermath of the floods, including physical injuries, drowning, water- and food-borne illnesses, diarrheal and respiratory outbreaks, and vector-borne diseases. Officials also highlighted the severe psychological toll of the disaster, noting that the loss of loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and ongoing displacement pose significant risks to the mental health and psychosocial well-being of affected communities.
