Country: Nepal Source: Save the Children KATHMANDU, 2 September 2026 – One week after massive flooding swept through communities across Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, children are showing signs of psychological distress, Save the Children said, as families worry about their futures. At least 1, 000 people have been killed, with more than 3, 900 people still missing[1], after flood waters created by the collapse of a mountain glacier rushed through valleys with a force that wiped entire villages off the map. Save the Children staff spoke to children in Nuwakot district who said they are fearful and anxious after witnessing wide-ranging horrors including school buses full of friends washed away, their homes submerged and everything they hold dear carried away by the waters. Neela*, 11, was preparing to go to school when the flood waters came rushing down and tore through her village and home on a rugged hill side. She and her family escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Her family home is no longer standing, while many of her relatives and neighbors are still missing. Neela said: “We lost everything including our home and our buffalos. My school is gone and many of my friends are still missing. ” Neela, who is staying in a temporary shelter where Save the Children has a presence and has provided her family with kits containing essential items including torches, blankets, soap and other personal hygiene items, said she is scared of future floods. “I’m in no mood to talk and I’m scared to sleep incase there is another wall of water coming down, ” she said. Tara Chettry, Save the Children Nepal Country Director, said: “The need for mental healthcare is growing. It’s been seven days since this horrific event happened and children and adults are still processing it, grappling with the enormity of what happened and questioning what it means for their future. “Many are still separated from loved ones and are anxious to find family members. Others are worried about where they’re going to sleep at night, how they’ll rebuild their homes and how they will make a living. “Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Children need support to process what they have been through. Helping them recover emotionally is essential to helping communities recover as a whole.” Forecasters have warned that additional rainfall could hamper recovery efforts in some affected areas[2], raising concerns among displaced families still living in temporary accommodation while heavy rainfall on country roads has brought fresh challenges including slowed down aid delivery to some of the more cut off and rural areas. Parents affected by the floods are also facing significant challenges. Many have lost livelihoods and household possessions, increasing financial pressures that could further affect their children’s emotional well-being. Bijay*, 33, a father of three at one temporary shelter in Nuwakot district, said he used to own a shop but his shop and their home was washed away. He’s anxious about how he’ll support the family. “I cannot buy anything, ” said Bijay. Save the Children is on the ground in the affected areas in Nuwakot district and we have set up two child friendly spaces in Nuwakot with the aim of setting up a third in Rasawa district 120 km (75 miles) north of the capital Kathmandu. These are spaces where children can play, do some sports and regain some sense of normality. Save the Children has also assigned psychosocial counsellors at the child friendly spaces to support children with their mental health and psychosocial needs. At least 65, 000 people, need immediate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) support while about 22, 000 people, including children, need protection support and at least 19 schools have been damaged in the flood affected areas. [3] Save the Children has recently established a field office in Nuwakot district to ensure timely support to children and affected communities. Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition and child poverty. ENDS References: [1]Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. [2] https: //www. dhm. gov. np/ [3] https: //www. unocha. org/publications/report/nepal/nepal-rasuwa-flood-flash-update-4-31-august-2026 For further enquiries please contact: Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Global Media Manager (Asia): amy. lefevre@savethechildren. org Rachel Thompson, Media Manager (Asia) Rachel. Thompson@savethechildren. org Daphnee Cook, Head of News Daphnee. cook@savethechildren. org
Nepal: Children who witnessed horrors face mounting mental health issues one week after devastating floods
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