WHO releases $150,000 as Nepal flood death toll tops 730

30 / 08 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $150,000 from its South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to support urgent health and relief needs in communities affected by devastating flash floods in Nepal.

The funding comes as the death toll from the floods has surpassed 730, with nearly 2,500 people missing and more than 200 injured, according to the latest figures from Nepalese authorities.

Emergency aid deployed:

Within hours of the floods on August 26, WHO dispatched essential medical supplies, including an Interagency Emergency Health Kit capable of serving nearly 10,000 people for three months, along with multipurpose tents.

The agency has since sent additional supplies based on urgent needs, including surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizers and other medical equipment.

“The emergency funds will support immediate response priorities. WHO is committed to supporting Nepal through the response and recovery efforts,” said Dr. Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.

10,000 households need relief:

Around 10,000 households across six districts in the Bagmati and Gandaki provinces need immediate relief. The floods have caused widespread loss of life and displacement, while damaging critical infrastructure, including health facilities.

Four health facilities in Rasuwa, the worst-hit district, have been completely damaged, while two facilities in Dhading have sustained partial damage. Two hospitals in Dhading and Trishuli are inaccessible because of damaged roads, making it difficult to reach displaced communities.

Disease risks rise:

WHO is working with the Nepalese government and partners to coordinate the health response, strengthen disease surveillance and maintain essential health services.

Key health risks include drowning, injuries, diarrhoeal and respiratory illnesses, water- and food-borne diseases, and vector-borne infections.

WHO also warned that displacement, loss of homes and livelihoods, and uncertainty could take a toll on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of affected communities.