Sewa International USA has allocated $100,000 for emergency flood relief in Nepal, where volunteers are actively engaged in rescue and assistance efforts following devastating flash floods.
Sewa International USA has announced the release of $100,000 for flood relief efforts in Nepal as volunteers work tirelessly on the ground to rescue stranded individuals and provide essential emergency assistance. This initiative comes in response to catastrophic flash floods that have severely impacted the region.
Volunteers from Sewa International Nepal are actively supporting relief operations in the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, where the need for aid is critical. The Texas-based humanitarian organization has also launched a dedicated fundraiser to bolster immediate on-the-ground operations.
“Sewa has started a fundraiser, ‘Nepal Flash Flood Relief,’ and raised over $55,000 in the last 24 hours,” stated Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA. “Flash floods have devastated parts of Nepal, killing hundreds and sweeping away many devotees gathered for the Kailash Yatra. It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering and grief of people.”
On August 26, northern Nepal experienced catastrophic flash floods triggered by a glacier collapse, avalanche, and landslide. The death toll has tragically risen to 626, with at least 2,478 individuals reported missing, including 777 foreign nationals. Approximately 93,000 people have been severely affected, and over 3,700 have been rescued from the disaster.
The floodwaters carried mud, rocks, and debris through the Himalayan river valleys, resulting in the destruction of homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, water systems, and communication networks. These conditions have created significant challenges for rescue and relief teams. Several Sewa International USA volunteers who were at the Nepal-Tibet border during the disaster remain unaccounted for.
“Sewa Nepal volunteers are actively supporting the ground response by transporting relief materials to affected communities and assisting with local distribution and relief coordination,” Gundavarapu added. “Sewa stands with the people of Nepal and is committed to continuing relief work and taking up recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
Vinayak Astekar, Sewa’s Associate Director for Disaster Response, emphasized the organization’s immediate priorities. “Our focus is to help families who have lost their homes, are stranded, and face hunger, cold, and health emergencies,” he said. “We are working with Sewa International Bharat (India), sister organizations, and community partners to mobilize essential supplies, daily necessities, and volunteers.”
Within 48 hours of the disaster, Sewa mobilized emergency shelter, protective gear, food, medical supplies, and rescue materials. The distributed items include 300 heavy-duty tarpaulins measuring 12 by 15 feet, foam mattresses, raincoats, ponchos, floating foam, water bottles, ration kits, cookies, and volunteer jackets. Medical provisions consist of paracetamol and approximately 5,000 packets of oral rehydration solution.
In addition to providing immediate relief, Sewa is also focusing on community support and tracking services for families in the diaspora. The organization has established a missing-person tracking group to assist concerned families and community members, with about 75 individuals registered to locate their loved ones. The group plans to publish daily updates as new information becomes available. A dedicated helpdesk has also been set up to collect and share details regarding Americans reported missing or stranded in Nepal.
Sewa continues to coordinate with ground teams to assess the evolving conditions and mobilize additional resources for emergency relief, recovery, and long-term rebuilding efforts.
Donors interested in supporting Sewa’s Nepal Flash Flood Relief efforts can do so at: https://sewausa.org/NepalFlashFloodRelief.
According to a press release from Sewa International USA, the organization remains committed to aiding those affected by this disaster.