Mercy Malaysia deploys team to Nepal as 2.2 million tonnes of debris hamper aid to flood-hit communities

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Mercy Malaysia has deployed a humanitarian team to Nepal to assess urgent needs following the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Bhote Koshi river system on Aug 26, with the team set to focus on search and rescue, emergency shelter, food, clean water and sanitation as millions of tonnes of debris hamper access to affected communities.

The disaster, triggered by an ice-and-rock avalanche and glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, sent a powerful surge of water, mud and debris through the Bhote Koshi and downstream river systems, severely affecting communities and critical infrastructure in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and other downstream districts.

Mercy Malaysia said its team will assess the situation on the ground, engage with affected communities and local partners, and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.

A preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates approximately 2.2 million tonnes of debris across the analysed flood-affected areas.

At least 11 hydropower stations and one solar plant, representing approximately 431 megawatts of generating capacity, have ceased operations.

Roads and bridges have been destroyed or blocked by massive quantities of debris, making access to affected communities increasingly difficult.

Hydropower facilities, settlements and border infrastructure have also sustained extensive damage, disrupting essential services and livelihoods.

Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Authorities and responders are working to clear roads, relocate communities from high-risk areas and provide emergency assistance to those affected.

Mercy Malaysia said its initial assessment will also look at healthcare, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support.

With many communities still isolated by damaged roads, bridges and extensive debris, restoring access will be critical to ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need.

Particular attention will be given to displaced families, vulnerable groups and families searching for missing loved ones.

Mercy Malaysia will work closely with local authorities, humanitarian partners and affected communities to ensure any intervention is needs-based, coordinated and responsive to the evolving situation.

Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the scale of the disaster was deeply concerning, particularly for communities that remained isolated and families still searching for their loved ones.

“Our immediate priority is to understand the needs on the ground and ensure that our response reaches those who need it most,” he said.

“In situations like this, timely humanitarian action can make a critical difference.”

Mercy Malaysia is committed to working alongside local authorities, partners and communities in Nepal to provide appropriate assistance and support recovery efforts as the situation develops, he said.

The organisation said the humanitarian situation remained fluid and needs may evolve as access improves and further assessments are conducted.

It will continue to monitor developments closely and determine the next phase of its response based on assessment findings and coordination with relevant authorities and humanitarian partners.

Mercy Malaysia also called for sustained collective action and solidarity to support communities affected by the floods and extreme weather conditions.

It said every contribution could help deliver life-saving assistance, restore dignity and support affected families on their path to recovery, adding that continued support remained vital as humanitarian needs evolve and recovery efforts begin.