Kuala lumpur: MERCY Malaysia has deployed a humanitarian assessment team to Nepal to assess urgent needs following a catastrophic flash flood that struck the Bhote Koshi river system on Aug 26. MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the team would assess conditions on the ground, engage with affected communities and local partners, and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the disaster followed an ice-and-rock avalanche and glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, triggering a powerful surge of water, mud, and debris through the Bhote Koshi and downstream river systems. The resulting destruction severely affected communities and critical infrastructure across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and other downstream districts.

A preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that approximately 2.2 million tonnes of debris have been deposited across the flood-affected areas. The floods also damaged local energy infrastructure, forcing at least 11 hydropower stations and one solar plant to cease operations, affecting approximately 431 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity.

The humanitarian team will conduct an initial assessment focusing on emergency shelter, food, clean water and sanitation, healthcare, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support. Roads and bridges have been destroyed or blocked by massive quantities of debris, making access to affected communities increasingly difficult. Restoring access will be critical to ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need, particularly displaced families, vulnerable groups, and families searching for missing loved ones.

Ahmad Faizal emphasized that timely humanitarian action can make a critical difference. MERCY Malaysia is committed to working alongside local authorities, partners, and communities in Nepal to provide appropriate assistance and support recovery efforts as the situation develops.