Update: Nepal after the devastation

In the wake of horrific destruction after two flash floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border in August, Open Doors has responded by distributing relief aid and coming alongside those affected. Raju* is a local partner who responds to some questions concerning the current situation.

1. What is the situation in the flooded areas now? How are the families doing, and where are they staying? 

RAJU*: The situation in the flood-affected areas is extremely difficult. Many families, including children and elderly people, are staying in temporary holding centres and tents. They are living there while grieving the loss of their loved ones. Children have lost their parents, and elderly women have lost family members. Many people seem quiet, lost and overwhelmed by grief. The pain they carry is visible in their faces and eyes. 

People staying in different holding centres and tents receive meals from various relief centres. Many charities and government agencies have provided food, shelter and temporary accommodation for the affected families. However, many people have lost family members, homes, property and livelihoods, and they continue to reside in these temporary shelters.  

For some, the future appears uncertain and hopeless. I have seen people who are still in shock and struggling to process their losses. Some remain strong in their faith, while others continue to wrestle with the pain and grief they are carrying. 

2. How is God speaking to them in this situation? 

RAJU: According to the people I met and interviewed, the flood came unexpectedly and felt like something falling from the sky. They were heartbroken and devastated. Many searched desperately for their loved ones, only to learn that they were no longer alive. Others lost their homes, property, spouses or children. 

Many people were in shock and unable to process what was happening. Their days and nights were spent crying and remembering those they had lost. It was painful to witness such suffering. During those first days, many were simply overwhelmed by grief and could not even begin to ask questions or understand why this had happened. 

Preeti*, who lost family, shared with me: “After some days, although it was difficult to see everything around me, prayer became my only source of strength. I lost my husband and my home. It was extremely painful because I have two children. Many nights I could not sleep. It has been the most painful journey of my life. 

“However, through prayer and reading God’s Word, I found the strength to keep going. I have to stay strong for my son and daughter. I need to care for their education and guide them spiritually despite all the losses we have suffered. 

“I was encouraged by the story of Job, who lost everything but remained faithful and was later blessed by God. During all these struggles, his story gave me hope and encouraged me to keep trusting the Lord.” 

3. How was the relief received? 

RAJU: The relief support was very well received and greatly appreciated. Our support focused on items that were urgently needed – including blankets, electric rice cookers, clothes, towels, underwear and some food supplies. 

One of the survivors, Pravin*, says: “The rice cookers and blankets are among the most useful items we have received. Because of the gas shortage in Nepal, the electric rice cooker helps us prepare meals more easily. Many organisations have already distributed food, but these items met some of our most urgent needs. We are very thankful for the support.” 

*Names changed for security reasons 

Please pray 

• That God will heal the hearts of those who are grieving and carrying deep pain 

• For families who have lost homes and livelihoods, and for children who have lost parents and are facing an uncertain future 

• That the Lord would provide long-term support, sustainable solutions and courageous hope so that families can rebuild their lives. 

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Hundreds killed in flash flood on Nepal-Tibet border – please pray

The massive flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 1,000 people, mostly from Nepal, with thousands more missing. It happened last Wednesday (26 August) and is reported to have been caused by a collapsed glacier.

“I stand before you today with a heavy heart,” said Balendra Shah, Prime Minister of Nepal. “The sudden and devastating flood in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi River has left the entire nation shocked and grieving.”

Impact on Christians

“As per the information we have from our local networks, 75 believers have died in the floods, while more than 70 are still missing,” shares Raji*, an Open Doors local partner. “These figures are subject to ongoing updates as we receive more information from our partners.

“A few churches in these districts have been physically damaged by the floods, with church buildings, equipment and other materials swept away or destroyed. Most of the believers from these churches were working in tunnels, factories, hydro projects and at other sites by the riverside.”

Mohan*, a local partner, reports, “17 people from our church remain missing and unreachable. This terrible flood has torn families apart. Children have been left without parents, women have become widows, and countless families are suffering unimaginable grief and loss.”

John*, another local pastor, is aware of church members who have been left without any employment or a source of income. Many of them depended on daily wage labour for their livelihoods, particularly those working on hydropower projects, tunnel construction, riverbed work and border-related activities that have been destroyed by the flood.

The disaster has left countless people, including Christians, in dire need of food, clean drinking water, temporary shelter, clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies. Many families have lost their homes, livestock, personal belongings and important documents. 

Why is Nepal on the World Watch List?

Nepal is 46th on the World Watch List, returning to the top 50 after a three-year absence. Last year, widespread demonstrations led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and the political instability provided cover for an uptick in violence and pressure against Christians. A lot of persecution is driven by Hindu extremists, who believe that all Nepali people should be Hindu and that Nepal should return to being an officially Hindu country.

It is currently unclear to what extent those affected by persecution have been impacted by this disaster.

“We are trying to connect with the churches in these areas and are evaluating the needs on the ground. Do pray for us that we can communicate timely and act with wisdom and discernment,” says Raji.

*Names changed for security reasons