Nepal floods cause widespread destruction, government appeals for international aid

Over 620 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 2,400 are missing. The Red Cross estimates that up to 93,000 people may be affected, with entire communities displaced and critical infrastructure like bridges and roads destroyed, making access to affected areas difficult. The UN Children’s Fund reports that 18 schools have been destroyed and 20 damaged, impacting approximately 10,000 school-age children.

The disaster presents a significant challenge for the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who faces the task of rebuilding communities and infrastructure. Nepal's economy, already under pressure with 82 percent of its workforce in informal employment and a GDP per capita of $1,447 in 2024, relies heavily on remittances and tourism. The floods threaten to disrupt tourism, particularly in the Himalayan north, adding to economic woes.

Health risks are also a concern, with three health posts destroyed and a hospital partially damaged, increasing the potential for communicable diseases due to displacement and damaged sanitation systems. Furthermore, 11 hydropower stations and one solar power station, representing about 10 percent of Nepal's installed electricity generation capacity, have ceased operations, and 15 power projects under construction have also been damaged. More than 900 hydropower workers are missing.