The Disaster That Left Entire Communities Cut Off

Bhote Koshi Flood: Field Assessment and Current Situation

Nine of us conducted a field survey, divided into two teams, across several locations affected by the catastrophic flood. We visited holding centers, schools, and local government offices where displaced people are currently staying. The flood occurred on August 26. Due to the severe road conditions, we were only able to meet with some pastors and district leaders, as many others were unable to travel.

In Rasuwa District, only a few people survived in some villages. Some were saved by holding onto bushes, trees, and natural walls along the jungle.
To understand the severity of the situation, it is important to consider the geography of the affected areas. Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading have many communities located in narrow gorges and along river basins. Because of this terrain, entire villages have been swept away, leaving some areas extremely difficult to access.

The situation is much more serious than what is being reported in the media. Local people reported that the first wave on August 26 was more than four stories high in some places, followed by a second major flood. They also reported that approximately 15,000 people may still be missing. However, the exact number of missing people remains unknown, and the Government of Nepal has not yet been able to establish a complete figure.

Many survivors are not speaking much about what they experienced, particularly those who lost family members. They are living with deep fear and trauma after witnessing their loved ones being swept away. For many, the shock is so severe that they appear emotionally numb.
Conditions in the holding centers are also extremely difficult. Sanitation is poor, and many people are already suffering from illnesses such as diarrhea. Children are traumatized and lack adequate nutrition. Essential medicines are also in short supply, particularly medication needed by people with diabetes.

There are no bridges remaining in many affected areas, including temporary bridges, while mud and debris remain piled higher than two-story buildings in some places. The destruction of roads and bridges has severely restricted rescue and relief operations. Even communities that were not directly destroyed are struggling to receive food and other daily necessities because transportation routes have been cut off.

Many villages remain completely inaccessible. In Rasuwa, particularly in areas near the Nepal-China border, we are currently unable to reach many communities because roads no longer exist. Many survivors have been relocated to holding centers in Kathmandu, schools and holding centers in Nuwakot, and other temporary shelters. Some are living in extremely difficult conditions, including makeshift shelters in forested areas.

We are continuing to trace and locate survivors in Kathmandu and the affected districts by contacting pastors and local leaders who know the communities and families.
Most of the pastors we met who were directly affected described the devastation as being like Sodom and Gomorrah. One pastor said, “It feels as though the spirit of death is moving here.” The pastors themselves are deeply afraid and traumatized, while also carrying the burden of caring for their communities.

The need for relief is urgent, but the destruction of roads and bridges makes it extremely difficult to reach the most severely affected areas. I am praying and actively searching for every possible alternative way to reach the core areas where entire villages and households have been destroyed.

The need for basic necessities is enormous. In some places, even when shelter is available, there is no suitable place to store or distribute relief supplies. Food, clothes, medicine, sanitation materials, shelter, and other essential items are urgently needed.
Please continue to pray for the victims and survivors who have experienced death, loss, fear, and trauma. We cannot do this alone. We urgently need your prayers and support to bring essential supplies and relief to those affected by this catastrophe.