UN aims to raise nearly $50 million for Nepal flood response

The UN and its humanitarian partners launched a $49.6 million flash appeal on Friday to deliver emergency assistance to more than 84,000 people affected by last week’s catastrophic floods in Nepal.On 26 August, a glacier on the border between Nepal and the Tibet autonomous region of China collapsed, triggering floods that have now claimed more than 1,250 lives and left thousands missing, according to the UN’s office in Nepal.The UN’s local humanitarian team estimate that 84,270 Nepalis – or 19,284 households – were affected by the floods.Devastating tollAcross the Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading regions of northern Nepal, critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, power grids and water systems have been damaged or destroyed, while many survivors have lost their homes and family members.Working with Nepali emergency operations, the UN aims to help families buy essential goods, revitalise local economies, restore power, prevent disease outbreaks and help prepare residents for the upcoming winter.Humanitarian workers will deliver direct cash assistance, cold-weather shelter materials, portable solar power units, water purification systems and food aid, while emergency mobile clinics ...