In Nepal, HI is supporting flood survivors

A heavy human toll

The severe flooding that struck Nepal in late August devastated several districts in the north of the country, notably Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Between 93,000 and 1.6 million people were affected by the disaster and more than 1,300 were killed. Rescue teams are still searching for nearly 4,900 people who are missing.

Damaged bridges and roads are slowing down the delivery of humanitarian aid. Access remains difficult in some areas, particularly in the Rasuwa district, where entire communities are still cut off, awaiting the repair of roads severed by the floods.

Thousands of people have been displaced, fleeing the floods and leaving their homes and possessions behind. Survivors are now living in temporary accommodation centres where needs are acute: drinking water, food, sanitation facilities, healthcare, etc. Among them, people with disabilities, children, older people, and women have, like everyone else, lost their livelihoods and require targeted assistance.

Rehabilitation care for injured or people with disabilities

People injured during the disaster need prompt medical care to prevent complications and long-term disabilities. For people with disabilities, the current situation can be particularly challenging: separation from caregivers, difficulties in accessing healthcare and medication, the loss of wheelchairs, walking sticks or crutches…

For HI, the goal is not only meeting urgent needs but also providing long-term support for survivors. A team of around ten people is on the ground in the Nuwakot region and, together with its local partners, is providing functional rehabilitation support for injured and people with disabilities being cared for in hospitals and eighteen emergency holding centers: individual assessments, physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions, replacement or repair of mobility aids, etc. HI is also preparing to extend its support program to the town of Trishuli in the near future.

‘I met a man whose arm was in a sling. When he saw the flood approaching, he jumped from a building under construction where he was working to seek shelter with his wife and two young children. His wife had injured her knee in the rush. Having lost everything, they could not afford medical treatment. I examined him: he had fractured his forearm when he jumped. We showed him how to keep his arm clean and bandage it properly, then we referred him to a hospital so that he could have an X-ray and receive further treatment,” explains Rabindra Shrestha, a rehabilitation specialist.

HI is also preparing to deploy a needs assessment team to Rasuwa district as soon as access is restored. To meet the urgent rehabilitation needs of residents who remain cut off, the organization has already coordinated the delivery by helicopter of around 100 wheelchairs, crutches and walking sticks to the district hospital.

Psychological first aid

Forced displacement, the disappearance of loved ones, the loss of familiar surroundings, homes and livelihoods and social isolation – the stress factors caused by the disaster are numerous. Many survivors are going through periods of grief, doubt and distress that require specialized support to help them rebuild their lives.

“Listening to the stories of the people I meet touches me deeply. Everyone person here has a story of loss, and people share with me their grief, fears, uncertainties and mourning. Some have lost their homes, others have lost loved ones, and many are still waiting for their family members to return. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply listen and let people know that they are not alone,” says Saniya Karki, a mental health and psychosocial support officer.

In response to this urgent need, HI is providing mental health and psychosocial support to people living in temporary shelters in the Nuwakot district. HI’s teams are reinforced by four community social workers who are helping to implement the activities.

“Psychological first aid is not about taking their pain away, it is about helping people feel heard, supported and safe enough to take the next step,” continues Saniya.

Special attention given to children

Children have been particularly affected by the floods in Nepal. Some have lost family members and many are now living in temporary accommodation far from their family and social circles, leading to a complete loss of their sense of security. This traumatic experience can cause severe stress and have a lasting impact on their development.

“Some children with the painful uncertainty of not knowing where their parents or loved ones are. The closure of schools has also disrupted their daily lives and many spend a great deal of time in crowded temporary shelters without meaningful activities to engage in. The uncertainty of daily life is a source of worry, fear and sadness,” says Saniya.

To create a safe haven in their daily lives and allow them to rediscover a space where they can be carefree, HI’s teams use games and toys to run recreational sessions with children of all ages, helping them to rebuild connections.

“Creating a safe space where they can play, talk and express themselves can help them cope with emotions that are difficult for them to understand.”

These activities help to recreate daily routines, reduce fear and stress and enable children to adapt more easily to their new reality, whilst providing a safe and supportive space where HI’s teams can identify those who need special psychosocial support. HI has also provided recreational material to a temporary shelter in Bidur and plans to do the same for other holding centres in the coming days.

“My role allows me to stand alongside people who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives, to listen to their stories, to acknowledge their suffering and helping them take small steps towards recovery. I am determined to carry on and to reach those who need it most as the emergency response continues,” concludes Saniya.