Irish Red Cross makes emergency appeal after Nepal flash floods

By Cate McCurry, Press Association

The Irish Red Cross has made an urgent emergency appeal to support communities devastated by severe flash flooding as two Irish nationals are among hundreds of people feared missing in Nepal.

Rescue efforts are continuing following the devastating flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, which have destroyed homes and villages.

The country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 165 bodies have so far been recovered following flooding in the Rasuwa district, which borders China’s autonomous region of Tibet.

Two Irish national are among those feared missing following the flash flood, which was reported by a tour operator that offers guided tours and expeditions in Nepal.

The Irish Red Cross said it is working to support the Nepal Red Cross Society, which is providing emergency humanitarian support to people affected by the disaster in the area.

The flood has caused significant destruction across northern Nepal, with some of the worst impacts reported in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

Homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure have been washed away or badly damaged.

Severe access constraints are making it extremely difficult for response teams to reach isolated communities, the Irish Red Cross said.

Deirdre Garvey, secretary general of the Irish Red Cross, said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and neighbouring affected communities following devastating flash floods.

“For more than a decade, the Irish Red Cross has worked alongside the Nepal Red Cross, from the immediate aftermath of the 2015 earthquake to ongoing climate resilience and agriculture programmes.

“That enduring partnership allows us to act fast. Local volunteers who live in these communities are on the ground right now saving lives. Our job here in Ireland is simple: get them the resources they need, immediately.

Right now, reaching isolated communities and aiding those who are injured or displaced is our top priority.

“Nepal Red Cross Society is supporting affected families with emergency relief while assessment teams work to determine the full scale of the disaster.

“Right now, reaching isolated communities and aiding those who are injured or displaced is our top priority.

“We are closely following developments and collaborating with the Nepal Red Cross as they support affected communities.”

“As we support the Nepal Red Cross in this immediate response, we are also preparing for long-term recovery; entire villages and market centres have been completely wiped out,” continued Ms Garvey.

A spokesperson said the Department of Foreign Affairs will provide consular assistance to impacted Irish citizens and their families.

“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on individual cases,” the department said.