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 destruction of community infrastructure. NAFA quickly opened dedicated fundraising channels and, with thanks to NAFA’s network of supporters, donations to date total over $37,000. Our sincere thanks to everyone who has responded so quickly and generously.
Not surprisingly, we are already receiving queries on how the funds raised in the appeal will be allocated. This communique will be the first of many as the allocation process develops. That process will be determined in accordance with NAFA’s long-standing community development practice framework. Key phases in that process following disasters include understanding the context, connecting with local leaders, identifying needs and priorities, assessing applications for support and agreeing on solutions (projects) that meet the needs identified by the community.
Post Landslide & Flood Context.
The landslide flood tore through the Trishuli River system, carrying mud, rock and water through Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The impacted area is to the east of six villages in the Gangajamuna Rural Municipality that are assisted by NAFA’s community development activities. The landslide flood has not caused any damage to dwellings or community infrastructure in those villages.
Initial recovery efforts have focussed on rescue, recovery, medical treatment, restoring communications and reopening access to the affected areas. International assistance has rapidly increased with many countries and large non-profit organisations offering financial assistance, essential personal items, food, temporary shelter, medical supplies, equipment and specialist support. Our contacts in Nepal believe this phase will continue for at least the next few weeks and perhaps longer to allow time for burial ceremonies.
NAFA’s mandate and experience focus on remote community infrastructure. Meaningful consultation with local communities to identify the needs and priorities for rebuilding community infrastructure, NAFA’s core work, cannot begin until the death ceremonies are complete. In the meantime, if informal consultation through our Nepalese contacts identifies remote villages that have missed out on immediate relief support, NAFA will consider requests for immediate relief assistance, as we did after the devastating 2015 earthquake.
Connecting with Local Leaders to Identify Community Infrastructure Reconstruction Needs and Priorities.
The impacted area faces a huge reconstruction challenge. NAFA will look to play its part in the reconstruction phase, allocating funds raised in the appeal to rebuild community infrastructure such as a school or health post. We will rely on our Nepalese partners and committee members in Nepal to consult with leaders of impacted areas to identify needs, priorities and possible funding partners for prospective projects that will make a real difference to flood affected communities. The NAFA committee has expressed an interest in supporting a project that supports children impacted by the landslide flood.
NAFA will consider the option of working with a funding partner with whom we can combine efforts for a community infrastructure rebuild project. This will depend on the overall budget for the preferred project and the funds available. NAFA executive officers are planning to visit Nepal in November and January, providing opportunities to be involved in consultation and solution negotiation processes.
Future communiques will provide details on projects approved by the NAFA Management Committee. As always, we guarantee that 100% of your donations will go directly to those projects. The communiques will also provide information on how implementation will be monitored. We trust our loyal donors will be patient as we work through the community development process that NAFA has used with success for nearly 20 years, including guiding our response to the 2015 earthquake.
Kind Regards,
Rod Setterlund OAM
NAFA President