New Zealand Red Cross has launched
an emergency appeal to support people affected by
devastating flash flooding in northern Nepal, where
thousands of people may have been affected and some of the
worst-hit communities remain cut off.
A glacial lake
outburst flood originating from the Tibet border area swept
through northern Nepal in the early hours of 26 August,
destroying and damaging homes and critical infrastructure.
Multiple bridges have been washed away and major roads
damaged, making some affected areas extremely difficult for
responders to reach.
The full scale of the disaster is
still emerging, with casualty figures being verified. Early
estimates suggest between 10,000 and 12,000 people may have
been affected, although official figures are not yet
available.
Sarah Stuart-Black, Secretary General of
New Zealand Red Cross, says “the disaster will be felt
particularly strongly in New Zealand because of the close
and long-standing connections between our
countries.”
“New Zealand has a deep connection to
Nepal. We also have a strong Nepalese community here in
Aotearoa New Zealand, and we know this will be an incredibly
worrying time for people waiting for news from whānau,
friends and loved ones.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
“We have launched the Nepal
Flood Emergency Appeal so New Zealanders can support people
affected by this disaster. Nepal Red Cross teams are already
responding, and donations will help support that locally led
response as the full scale of the needs becomes
clearer.”
Nepal Red Cross teams have deployed into
affected areas, with additional emergency teams and
volunteers being mobilised. Drinking water is already being
distributed, and emergency supplies including tarpaulins,
blankets, sleeping mats, first aid kits and stretchers are
being dispatched.
Immediate humanitarian priorities
include first aid and health support, safe drinking water,
emergency shelter, basic relief items and restoring access
to isolated communities.
“The priority now is to
reach affected communities and get assistance to people who
have lost their homes, suffered injuries or have been cut
off,” IFRC Head of Delegation for Nepal David Fisher
said.
“We will not forget support for their
long-term recovery either, since entire villages and market
areas have been wiped out.”
Sarah Stuart-Black says
the strength of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement is its ability to support locally led responses
with resources from around the world.
“Nepal Red
Cross knows these communities and has people responding on
the ground now. Through our global network, we can help
provide the support people need now, and in the weeks and
months ahead as they begin the long road to
recovery.
“We are asking New Zealanders who can, to
donate to the Nepal Flood Emergency Appeal and stand
alongside the people of Nepal at an incredibly difficult
time.”
