Two months after the floods in Nepal, HI continues to stand by the survivors

Treating and helping people recover

More than 100,000 people¹ were affected by the devastating floods that struck Nepal on August 26, 2026. Since then, HI teams have been supporting survivors by providing rehabilitation assistance. More than 150 people have received personalized rehabilitation support, some of them having received assistive devices (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.).

One of them is Sita, a 47-year-old woman who, before the disaster, suffered from severe pain in her neck and arms. In such pain, Sita could no longer carry out her daily activities and had gradually become isolated from her loved ones. She was being treated at a private clinic, but the floods, by cutting off transport, prevented her from continuing her treatment and worsened her condition.

HI’s mobile teams met Sita in September during a door-to-door visit. They immediately offered her home-based support combining physical therapy and therapeutic exercises. Sita was also able to speak to the mental health support teams to help ease her anxiety.

After three physical therapy sessions, Sita noticed that her pain had drastically decreased. She is sleeping better and, feeling more confident, has been able to resume her daily activities, which she had long neglected.

“With the festive season approaching, I couldn’t imagine celebrating while I was in so much pain. Fortunately, thanks to this home care service, I’m feeling better. I’m now hopeful that I’ll be able to celebrate the festive season with joy and happiness,” shared Sita.

Listening and providing support

HI’s teams also offer mental health support to survivors. In humanitarian emergencies, a sympathetic ear and psychosocial support can help people cope with uncertainty, find support, and embark on the path to recovery. As a result, more than 420 people have received individual support and 12 group sessions have been organized since early September.

At just 22 years old, Prasad* (not his real name) lost his land and possessions in the devastating floods that struck the Rasuwa district. But he also lost his sense of security and peace of mind. Since then, his daily life had been marked by insomnia, irritability, heart palpitations, and anxiety that he could no longer cope with.

A HI mental health and psychosocial support worker met with him for a session to listen to his story with empathy and without judgement.

“Together, we explored practical ways to manage my stress and identified trusted people in my circle who I could turn to for support. He also advised me to see a doctor about my heart palpitations. Thanks to this support, I feel lighter and more at peace,” says Prasad.

Protecting and comforting

Among those affected by the floods are nearly 30,000 children, many of whom have had to flee with their families and are now living in temporary shelters. In the municipality of Uttargaya, HI teams are working with people living in the Sibalaya holding center. Living conditions there are precarious and children have few opportunities to play, learn or entertain themselves.

To address this, HI’s teams organized group games, dancing, and craft activities such as making paper airplanes and boats, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. The aim of these sessions is to provide children with a space of freedom and carefree enjoyment that is essential to their well-being.

Awareness activities were also organized in the town of Bidur to help children recognize inappropriate behavior on the part of adults and know where to find support if needed. Similarly, sessions on good hygiene and health practices were introduced, always keeping a playful tone to encourage learning, bonding, and cooperation.

“Sometimes, help goes beyond mere treatment: it is about alleviating suffering, offering comfort, preserving dignity, and reminding everyone that they are not alone. Through our support, we want to ensure that those affected by the floods, particularly those with disabilities or health issues, are not forgotten on their journey to recovery,” concludes Bidur Regmi, Office in charge in Nepal.

1. United Nations, 22 October 2026