NAFA is an entirely volunteer-run, Australia-based international aid organisation that has supported education, health, disability, childcare and economic development projects in Nepal since it was formed in 1989.

In 2020, NAFA allocated $78,202 towards eleven ongoing education, health, disability and child care programs. NAFA also allocated $13,902 to purchase Covid-19 personal protective equipment, supplies and provide additional support e.g. food packages for six NAFA funded partners, a school and local community in Thimi, people with a disability in Pokhara and an organisation supporting front-line health workers.

Significantly, NAFA has partnered with three like-minded philanthropists, who have contributed $62,691 in support of NAFA projects in Nepal that focussed on the development and sustainability of an agricultural cooperative supporting farmers in five remote villages.

 

 

On 26 August 2026, a catastrophic landslide and flash flood struck the Himalayan border region of Nepal and Tibet causing widespread loss of life and destroying communities, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. The disaster began when a large section of glacier collapsed, sending enormous quantities of ice, rock and debris into the Lhende Khola river and producing a rapidly moving wall of water, mud and boulders. The massive glacial collapse and landslide was so powerful that it generated seismic activity equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. The subsequent torrent travelled downstream through the Bhote Kosi and Trishuli rivers, overwhelming communities without warning. The worst-affected areas in Nepal include Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts, with destruction extending along the river valleys towards central Nepal.

The human cost has been enormous. At the time of writing, more than 600 people have been confirmed dead and more than 2,000 people are reported missing, meaning the final death toll could rise substantially. Among the victims are the local village communities, international trekkers and pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The International Red Cross has estimated that approximately 93,000 people have been directly affected and urgently require humanitarian assistance.

Initial recovery efforts have been focussed on finding and rescuing survivors, recovering bodies, providing medical treatment, restoring communications and reopening access to the affected areas. International assistance has rapidly increased with many countries offering financial assistance, equipment and specialist support. The Australian Government has committed $5 million AUD in humanitarian assistance to support disaster response and recovery efforts.

Looking beyond the immediate emergency, Nepal faces a huge reconstruction challenge. The long-term priorities will include rebuilding communities, infrastructure and restoring transport, communication and energy networks.

NAFA will look to play its part in the recovery efforts in line with our commitment to support communities in Nepal through village infrastructure projects. As always we ensure that 100% of donations and fundraising proceeds will go directly to appropriate NAFA supported projects.

Many of our supporters have already asked how they can donate towards NAFA’s recovery efforts. As we work to identify exactly how NAFA will help, NAFA representatives based in Nepal are already reaching out to communities in the affected areas. In anticipation, we are opening dedicated fundraising channels which are available on the Fundraising page. We thank you for your generous support, welcome all donations and commit to keeping everyone informed as recovery efforts take shape.

If you would like to make a donation, please follow the links below:

• Credit Card Donations via our GiveNow Link

• Donate via Bank Transfer

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,
Rod Setterlund OAM
NAFA President