UN launches $50m appeal after Himalayan floods kill at least 1,384

The United Nations has launched a $50 million appeal to support more than 84,000 people affected by catastrophic flooding in Nepal and China’s Tibet region.

Torrential rain on 26 August destroyed roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure across mountain districts. The UN says at least 1,384 people were killed and more than 5,500 remain missing, although the figures cover both areas and may be provisional.

More than 800 foreigners from at least 34 countries, including tourists and pilgrims, are among those missing. Communities near the epicentre remain isolated, with damaged roads turning journeys that once took hours into trips lasting days.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Lila Pieters Yahia, said the flooding had transformed people’s lives within minutes, leaving families without homes, livelihoods or relatives.

The UN has warned of cholera and other communicable diseases as damaged infrastructure and sanitation problems increase public health risks. About 5,000 cattle have also reportedly died.

The appeal is being coordinated with Nepal’s government and includes urgent support for sanitation, hygiene and vulnerable women and girls.