Devastating flash floods strike Nepal

A major flash flood struck northern Nepal on 26 August 2026, destroying homes, roads, bridges and vital infrastructure.  The flood was triggered by a glacier collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending mud, ice and rock into the Bhote Koshi River.

More than 85,000 people have been affected.  As of 9 September 2026, at least 1,375 people have been killed and more than 5,000 remain missing.

ShelterBox's response to the flash floods has been strengthened by the support of Rotary.

Members of Rotary in Nepal have helped ShelterBox understand local needs and connect with affected communities.  They have supported coordination efforts in some of the hardest-hit areas.

Working together with Islamic Relief Nepal and other partners, ShelterBox has already provided families with emergency shelter materials and essential household items. In the current phase of its response, delivered in partnership with People in Need, it's providing support to a further 1,000 households.

As communities begin the difficult task of rebuilding, local partnerships are essential to ensuring support reaches those who need it most. By combining local knowledge with global resources, ShelterBox is helping families recover and rebuild.

ShelterBox writes: "Thank you to Rotary members in Nepal and around the world for supporting us."

ShelterBox was founded in 2000 by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall.  Today, ShelterBox has grown into an independent international disaster relief organisation that provides emergency shelter, tools and other essentials to people after disaster.  It provides shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster. It listens and adapts its support to the needs of each community, working together with those affected by disaster, alongside its supporters and partners.