LocationsNew challenges emerge for survivors
Nepal’s flood recovery starts with helping people rebuild their lives
October 8, 2026
The immediate emergency has passed in Nepal but residents face new challenges--finding shelter and work and clearing away the rubble.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
On 26 August 2026, a flash flood swept through communities along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river system in northern Nepal. Water, mud, rocks and sediment tore through homes, farmland, shops and businesses in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Families fled with little warning. Many lost their homes, land and livelihoods.
In Nuwakot, the immediate emergency has passed. But for those who survived, a new challenge has begun: getting safe shelter, clearing what the flood left behind and finding a way to earn a living again.
Unprecedented destruction
For Navaraj Upreti, it had been an ordinary day. The weather seemed fine. Then he received a call warning that a flood was coming. At first, he did not believe it. He was alone at home and ran only when he realized the danger was real.
“If I had waited another two minutes, I’d be dead.”
The area was crowded because of a religious festival. Hotels and restaurants were full, with people eating lunch and unaware of what was coming.
Navaraj lost his house, hotel and shop. He is now receiving relief from the municipality and wants to start his business again. But he needs help rebuilding his livelihood and covering the costs of resettlement.
Navaraj lost his house, hotel and shop in Nepal’s flash floods and is now receiving relief from the municipality as he makes plans to start his business again.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
Clearing the way to development
In parts of Nuwakot, the flood left behind thick layers of sand, soil, gravel and large rocks.
Vijaya Singh, Assistant Resident Representative and Policy Advisor at UNDP Nepal, saw the scale of the problem during a recent visit.
Some houses have several floors filled with sediment. In one place, around 20 metres of material covered what had once been a paddy field. Elsewhere, damaged buildings may need to be dismantled, creating even more debris.
“This kind of scale we haven’t seen before.”
For families, clearing the debris is one of the first steps towards getting back home.
Some material can be removed by hand, but much of it is too heavy or dangerous. Excavators, trucks and other machinery are needed. Local authorities also have to decide where the material can safely go and whether some of it can be reused.
“That is the entry point for us. People are waiting for the support, and we can help them start living again.”
UNDP is working with local authorities to help organize this work, including identifying suitable places for debris and exploring cash-for-work opportunities. This can allow people to earn an income while helping clear their communities.
In parts of Nuwakot, the flood left behind thick layers of sand, soil, gravel and large rocks. Vijaya Singh, Assistant Resident Representative and Policy Advisor at UNDP Nepal, saw the scale of the problem during a recent visit.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
Finding a safe place to rebuild
Sharmila Shrestha lived with her husband, two daughters and mother-in-law. Her family depended on farming and had a small plot of land and livestock.
She watched water sweep through the area and saw bridges being carried away. The family lost farmland and a buffalo that had provided both milk and income. They now live in rented accommodation.
“I don’t want to go back. I still fear there might be more floods.”
Sharmila wants a safe house on safe land. But she does not know where that will be. Her concern reflects a difficult question facing hundreds of other flood affected communities: where is it safe to rebuild?
Sharmila Shrestha and her family lost farmland and a buffalo that had provided both milk and income. They now live in rented accommodation.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
A home is not enough without an income
Shovita Adhikari was in her grocery shop when the flood came.
“I never thought I would live.”
She ran uphill with around 20 other people and held on to the slope until the Nepal Army rescued them about two hours later. Her home and shop were destroyed, taking away both her shelter and source of income.
She now lives in a rented house and needs help paying the rent. “My husband is blind, and I support the family. If I can get help, I want to open my shop again,” she says.
Restoring livelihoods will be a key part of recovery. People need income to pay rent, buy food, support their families and rebuild their lives.
UNDP is supporting the government on recovery covering livelihoods and economic recovery, debris management, restoration of local services, safer housing and resettlement and reducing future risks.
Shovita Adhikari’s home and shop were destroyed, taking away both her shelter and her source of income.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
Local governments at the centre
Much of this work will happen at the local level.
Bina Khadka, a UN Volunteer working as a data management officer and early recovery focal point in Bidhur Municipality, sees the challenges every day.
Many people continue to seek refuge in government supported holding centres, or other temporary arrangements. Some have lost their homes, land, businesses or family members. Many are still coming to terms with the shock of what happened.
“The most pressing problem is permanent shelter.”
Local governments are committed to providing communities with support, but first they need reliable information.
“Every crisis has a lack of data,” she says. “Every crisis needs data to plan recovery.”
UNDP is supporting municipalities and district authorities with information management, coordination and recovery planning. The aim is to help local governments better understand needs, set priorities and track support as recovery moves forward.
For Khadka, the work is about finding practical ways to help.
“Data can identify the challenges and support the local government with solutions,” she says.
She also points to the particular challenges women can face after disasters, including loss of income, increased care responsibilities and fewer opportunities to participate in decisions about recovery.
Bina Khadka is a UN Volunteer working as a data management officer and early recovery focal point in Bidhur Municipality.
Photo: UNDP Nepal
Building back, step by step
Recovery will not happen in a matter of weeks.
For people like Navaraj, Sharmila and Shovita, rebuilding means much more than replacing a house or clearing a road. It means finding safety, restoring income and deciding whether and where they can start again.
For local governments, it means managing many needs at once, often with limited resources and additional responsibilities.
UNDP’s role is to support the government through this rebuilding process, bringing together technical expertise, information, financing and practical support to help local authorities and communities move from emergency response towards recovery.
The first steps are clearing debris, restoring essential services, creating temporary livelihood opportunities and helping families find safe places to live. These practical steps can help people move from surviving the flood towards rebuilding their lives.
Related
content
content
